A Study on Reading Strategies for English Reading Class Using Movies: Focusing on the Movie Zootopia

Abstract

This study aims to introduce reading strategies in which learners can directly participate and present class activities, using them to consider the activation of reading strategies. In addition, the study analyzes learners’ attitudes and reactions to using specific reading strategies to determine the points to be considered when using these strategies. The Disney animation, <i>Zootopia</i> (Howard & Moore, 2016), was used as a case study, and reading strategies focusing on the topics of prejudice, discrimination, and diversity were used. The research evaluation was based on an openended survey conducted in the last week of class and self-reflection notes drafted at the end of each week’s class. According to the survey, most learners were satisfied with the use of various reading strategies in reading classes using movies (70.3%). This satisfaction was mainly based on opinions that reading strategies helped learners to participate in class activities, understand movie topics, and efficiently focus on classes. Furthermore, it was found that when using movies in English reading classes, reading strategies centered on the movie themes may prove to be a sound approach. Therefore, it is necessary to further activate a theme-tailored reading strategy that uses various films with diverse and interesting themes.