To prepare, the students watched several types of real commercials and discussed about how to make an effective commercial. The student groups then must decide the product they will advertise and get approval from their teachers. They cannot advertise a product that already exists or is almost the same as one that exists. The commercial must make it clear what the product is, and it must include the product's name, where to buy it, and the price. The commercial should be interesting, creative, and appealing. The commercial must be exactly one minute from start to finish.
The students begin by deciding the product. Then, they make a short plan of the commercial using a story board. Next, they prepare and shoot the scenes they need with a video camera. This usually involves asking other students and teachers for assistance and planning well in advance. After that, they edit the video to exactly one minute. They may use some special effects and titles. All of this takes about three weeks.
After all the commercials are finished, the students watch all the commercials on a large screen in the school auditorium. Students and teachers judge every commercial based on logic, pronunciation, grammar, communication, appeal, and creativity. The group that made the most popular commercial wins the competition.
By doing the commercials, the students learn several things. They learn how to use simple, easy-to-understand English. They learn to use simple non-verbal communication, such as colors, video, and body language. They learn what kind of commercials attract people. They learn what an effective commercial is. They learn importance of making plans with their group members. (Each member in their groups has different schedules. They learned how to schedule their time and work together effectively using the little time they had.) They also learned to work as a team and how to work with different kinds of people.
The commercials are an enjoyable assignment that the students remember for a long time. The students learn by doing and improve their skills in many areas. They improve their communication skills, learn the importance of planning, and become closer to their classmates and teachers.
Last year's commercials
(Windows Media format)
Competition Winner, Kiss Me
Second Prize, Yummy Paper
Third Prize, Love Cupid