Getting Cinema into the Saudi EFL Classroom: Catering to Changing Learner Needs

Abstract

Objectives: The language proficiency of English as a foreign language (EFL, henceforth) learners at Qassim University is currently below the expected standards. Even with pedagogical innovations taking the place of conventional methods in the classrooms, and feature films being increasingly used as authentic language exposure, the inclusion of feature films for teaching English is not welcomed in Saudi Arabia though English films are quite popular with the EFL learners in other parts of the globe. Pilot studies, before the current research, demonstrated positive outcomes with using feature films in the EFL classrooms, the results of which prompted this study. The current study discusses the implications of using films in language teaching, using questionnaires for collecting data from students and teachers of English at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The study spanned twelve weeks, during which time, an intervention was administered to the experimental group. At the end of the 12 weeks, the participants in the experimental group reported an increased communicative proficiency and engagement in the lessons when the teacher used films. The analysis of the students’ responses proved that the use of film-based language teaching is an effective and authentic means of language training. With enhanced communicative competence, EFL learners felt naturally confident to speak in English in real-world language situations. The results of the study would be beneficial to the EFL students, EFL teachers, schools, curriculum developers, and governments especially in terms of improved EFL instructions and improved economy, not only in Arabian but any foreign language learning context.