Using authentic cultural materials in Estonian secondary EFL instruction Cover Image

Using authentic cultural materials in Estonian secondary EFL instruction
Using authentic cultural materials in Estonian secondary EFL instruction

Author(s): Viktoria Peter, Liljana Skopinskaja, Suliko Liiv
Subject(s): Foreign languages learning, Applied Linguistics, Language acquisition, Culture and social structure
Published by: Eesti Rakenduslingvistika Ühing (ERÜ)
Keywords: culture; authenticity; learner motivation; teaching materials; English

Summary/Abstract: The article reports on a study into the extent to which authentic cultural materials are introduced in secondary foreign language teaching in Estonia, and the effect these materials may have on learner motivation. The hypothesis is that the inclusion of such materials in EFL teaching will have a positive effect on learner motivation at upper secondary school level. Three research approaches have been applied: two surveys into teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of the value of authentic cultural materials in language learning and a case study into the impact of those materials on learner motivation. The results show that the levels of learners’ on-task behaviour, overall class motivation and self-reported learner motivation increase with the employment of these materials, and therefore they should be incorporated in the classroom on a regular basis to promote intercultural learning.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 187-200
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English