【Article by EMI Resource Center 】

To increase students’ English speaking skills and provide an opportunity for creativity, the EMI Resource Center at National Chengchi University organized the "One-Third Video Speak Out Challenge," an English creative short video competition. This competition encouraged students to utilize video technology and diverse approaches to improve their English-speaking skills, aiming to boost learning motivation and enrich the academic atmosphere on campus. Participants were required to produce a short video of 3 to 5 minutes entirely in English, with at least one-third of the video featuring spoken English, accompanied by subtitles. The entries focused on showcasing creative methods and techniques for learning English or sharing experiences and achievements in using the English learning resources at National Chengchi University.

The competition received numerous outstanding and creative submissions. The judging panel conducted a professional evaluation based on three key criteria: content structure (relevance to the competition theme, storyline completeness, and creativity), language application (English proficiency and expression), and technical quality (filming techniques, editing skills, and sound effects/music). The judges provided detailed feedback and ultimately, the Center selected four winning videos that demonstrated students' efforts and breakthroughs in English learning. The award ceremony was held on March 20, 2025, with a variety of refreshments available, creating a lively and warm atmosphere for the winners to celebrate their achievements.

The ceremony was opened by Professor Siaw-Fong Chung, Director of the EMI Resource Center, who shared insights into the competition's preparation. She highlighted that this year's submissions were not only highly creative but also skillfully integrated English expression with professional knowledge, making language learning more engaging and challenging. The event featured two distinguished guests as judges: Associate Professor Gina Wen-Chun Chen, Director of Center for Language Studies at National Chung Cheng University, and campus interview YouTuber Antony Parnigoni. The judges provided professional critiques and feedback from various perspectives, including language application, presentation skills, and creative editing. Additionally, Dr. Cheng-Han Wu and Dr. William Chien-Wei Yang from the EMI Resource Center, along with members of the Bilingual Education and Multicultural Promotion Office, attended the ceremony to witness this moment of honor for the participants.

The award presentation was filled with excitement and applause. After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments while listening to the judges' in-depth critiques and suggestions on the four winning videos. The Gold Award winner in the Freshman Group was "Four People, Four Tips for Mastering English," a video that explored four creative English learning methods from different perspectives, including watching movies, reading books, using innovative apps, and mimicking speeches. The judges praised the video’s "story loop" structure (daily life → breakthrough → overcoming challenges → growth), which enhanced the completeness of the content. The opening was particularly engaging, capturing viewers' interest. The background music was infectious, though the volume was occasionally too high, affecting the clarity of the narration. The video concluded with a strong summary, effectively reinforcing key takeaways for the audience.

In the Sophomore and Above Group, the Gold Award-winning video, titled "Unlocking English: Fun Ways to Learn with School Support," shared the team members' innovative English learning methods and highlighted how National Chengchi University's English learning resources effectively aided students in improving their proficiency. The judges commended the video’s enthusiasm and inspiring tone, which resonated with viewers from the very beginning. It cleverly incorporated playful English idioms, such as "monkey’s brain," and introduced the benefits of using the Duolingo app for language learning. Additionally, the video effectively emphasized the role of the EMI Resource Center and showcased expressive body language. Overall, the pronunciation was clear and fluent, making the content easily comprehensible. Although the storytelling style deviated from traditional formats, it remained persuasive.

The Silver Award in the Sophomore and Above Group went to "Confidence > Perfection," which followed the journey of a freshman named Cynthia as she navigated an English-speaking environment, gradually building her confidence and passion for learning through the rich language resources at National Chengchi University. The judges noted the effective use of camera work, though the voice-over at the beginning was slightly abrupt. The video provided valuable reading techniques, though the explanation of the Word Up app could have been more detailed. The technique of imitating role models was particularly practical, and the video concluded with an outdoor scene that reinforced key points and included a call to action, enhancing its overall impact.

Finally, the Bronze Award in the Sophomore and Above Group went to "NCCU English Resource," in which two speakers shared their overseas study experiences and how National Chengchi University's English learning resources helped them overcome challenges. The judges appreciated the positive and successful learning experiences presented in the video. However, they pointed out that the volume was too low, and background noise affected the viewing experience. Additionally, the overall fluency of the video could be improved, as some segments were overly lengthy. The video emphasized the importance of cultural and literary learning and included an honest reflection on efforts to reduce accents, though there were frequent filler words and pauses. The conclusion effectively summarized the video content, reinforcing its key messages for the audience.

After the awards ceremony, participants and guests exchanged ideas and insights. Participants shared their thoughts on the competition through handwritten note cards, documenting this journey of challenges and growth. Furthermore, each award recipient received a beautifully designed tri-fold brochure and a writing consultation poster to encourage further exploration of English learning resources. This competition was not merely a contest but a platform for creativity and language enhancement. The Center looks forward to organizing more enriching English competitions and activities in the future, allowing students to learn through challenges and grow through learning!

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