Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate how scientific knowledge found in different themes in an entertainment movie can be transposed into teachable knowledge and used as a didactic edutainment tool for developing inferential thinking skills and competence in learners. The survey involved 45 undergraduate students of the Higher Teachers’ Training College of the University of Yaoundé I. It was conducted during the first semester of 2013 – 2014 on the Brazilian telenovela “O Clone” broadcast in English over Cameroon Radio & Television (CRTV) and was considered by many viewers as a favourite entertainment movie. Scientific knowledge on human cloning, artificial procreation and the socio-controversial issues of ethics and drug addiction generally masque by the romantic entertainment elements of the telenovela was transposed and taught. Results demonstrated statistically significant gains in all categories tested. Within limits of the study, it was concluded that the gains in performances observed were influenced by the tools that guided didactic transposition. Inherent perspective for future investigation using edutainment soap operas was raised.

Authors and Affiliations