Contextualization

The Past Continuous, or Past Continuous in English, is a verb tense that plays a fundamental role in expressing actions that were in progress at a certain moment in the past. This verb tense not only enriches our ability to tell stories and describe situations, but also allows us to detail the context in which the main actions took place. Understanding the Past Continuous opens doors to richer and more precise communication in English, making mastery of this subject essential for any language student.

The Past Continuous is formed by the simple past of the verb 'to be' (was/were) followed by the main verb in the gerund form (ing). For example: 'I was reading a book when the phone rang.' The structure is used to describe a past action that was happening for a period of time or was interrupted by another action. Its use is also common in situations where two or more actions were happening at the same time in the past.

The importance of the Past Continuous extends beyond the classroom. In the real world, it is essential in various contexts, such as job interviews, telling personal stories, describing scenarios in books, movies, and series, and even interpreting song lyrics. Understanding and correctly using this temporal structure is a valuable skill that enhances the fluency and confidence of the student when communicating in English.

To delve deeper into the topic, students can turn to reliable and detailed resources. Textbooks like 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy offer clear explanations and practice with exercises. Websites like British Council and BBC Learning English are also excellent sources of content, with interactive lessons and exercises. In addition, explanatory videos on YouTube from channels specialized in teaching English can complement the study in a dynamic and interactive way.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'A Journey into the Past Continuous'

Project Objective:

The project aims to deepen students' knowledge of the use of the Past Continuous in English through the creation of a video narrative that exemplifies situations where this verb tense is applied. In the end, students will produce a report documenting the creative process, the practical application of grammar, and the analysis of the results obtained.

Detailed Project Description:

Necessary Materials:

• Video camera or smartphone with recording capability.
• Access to a computer with video editing software (optional).
• Internet access for research and references.
• Written script and prior planning of scenes.

Group Size and Project Duration:

• Groups of 3 to 5 students.
• The estimated duration for the project is 5 to 10 hours per student.
• Delivery time of one month from the start date.

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Group Formation and Initial Brainstorming (1 - 2 hours)

   • Students will form groups and hold a brainstorming session to discuss ideas for stories or situations where the Past Continuous is applied.
   • They will outline a summary of the story and identify key moments for the use of the Past Continuous.

2. Research and Scriptwriting (1 - 2 hours)

   • Each group will research real situations where the Past Continuous is frequently used.
   • Students will write a detailed script for the video, including dialogues and scene descriptions.

3. Preparation and Rehearsal (1 hour)

   • Groups will organize costumes, settings, and props needed for the recording.
   • They will rehearse based on the script, ensuring the correct application of the Past Continuous.

4. Recording (2 - 4 hours)

   • Students will record the scenes as planned, paying attention to the pronunciation and correct emphasis of verbs in the Past Continuous.
   • Creativity is encouraged in choosing recording locations and acting.

5. Video Editing and Finalization (1 - 2 hours)

   • After recording, students will edit the video, adding English subtitles when the Past Continuous is used.
   • If necessary, they will add background music or special effects to make the video more engaging.

6. Report and Analysis (1 - 2 hours)

   • Upon completing the video, students will write a report following the given specifications (Introduction, Development, Conclusions, Bibliography).
   • They should include screenshots of the video as evidence and discuss the sections where the Past Continuous was used.

Project Deliverables:

• Narrative Video: A 3-5 minute video that uses the structure of the Past Continuous in different scenes and contexts.

• Written Report: A structured document that complements the video, containing:

  1. Introduction: Brief description of the project, its relevance, and how the Past Continuous applies to the created scenario.
  2. Development: Explanation of the Past Continuous theory, details of script creation and video production, and methodology used in the analysis of the work.
  3. Conclusions: Main points of learning, challenges faced, and conclusions about the use of the Past Continuous based on practical experience.
  4. Bibliography: References to educational materials, websites, articles, tutorial videos, or any other sources used during the research and implementation of the project.

• The deliverables are directly connected to the suggested activities, as the video will serve as practical evidence of the use of the Past Continuous, while the report will serve as a reflective and analytical record of learning and teamwork.

Connection Criteria between Activities and Writing of the Written Document:

To ensure that the written document complements the practical project, students must:

• Interleave analytical sections with practical examples taken from the video.
• Use the report to critically reflect on the learning process, the effectiveness of group communication, and the application of theoretical content to the practical project.
• Include in the report a group self-assessment on collaboration during the process and time management.
• Properly use bibliographic references following citation standards and ensuring academic integrity.

The writing of the written document should be in line with the practical project, providing an in-depth understanding of the explored concepts and bringing theory to life through the visual narrative presented in the video.