Inspired by the knowledge, insights and experience on forming intercultural competence gained in The Mosaic Project, Hanna PODOSYNNIKOVA, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Head of the Department of English Philology and Linguodidactics at Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S.Makarenko initiated and supervised holding a Film Club training session designed according to her authorial interactive methodology " English Teachers’ Film Club” (http://fl.knlu.edu.ua/article/view/262813) by pre-service English teachers within their teaching practice in senior school.
The interactive video training session was developed by Vlada HOMOLIA with the assistance of Катерина Панченко, the 4th-year students and members of Inter-University Research Laboratory of Modern Technologies of Teaching Foreign Languages and Cultures headed by H. Podosynnikova, and held as a synchronous online interactive event for 10th-year students of Sumy Classical Gymnasium
The film assigned for viewing and discussion was a Pixar animated film "Monsters University" – the story of how two university students went through breaking stereotypes and fighting fears from being bitter rivals to being best friends and colleagues. The session focused on college studies and social life that is so much about self-discovery and figuring out who you are. It was aimed to raise intercultural awareness, reflection and self-reflection through comparing academic life rules and patterns, university traditions and values in American and Ukrainian universities.
While watching and discussing "Monsters University", the film club participants raised their awareness of cultural differences, effective communication, team building and collaboration. The discussion addressed key topics such as:
- the role of effort and natural talent in success;
- holding onto your dreams;
- personal growth via supporting and believing in others;
- failure as a step toward improvement;
- the evolution of dreams dreams evolve, and finding a new path leading to unexpected success;
- student clubs, fraternities and sororities as the way and tool to balance and enhance personal and academic growth.
The film inspired students to reflect on the power of teamwork and leadership skills as the ability to bring out the best in your team members.
The event highlighted the significance of cinema as a tool for intercultural communication and cultural awareness, which are key aspects of modern education.
Thank you to The Mosaic Project team and participants, TESOL-Ukraine, TESOL Turkey, Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy, Kyiv for the opportunity to be part of the project, motivation and support!