Movies as Representative of the Natural Approach and their Effect on EFL Students’ Speaking Performance

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of using movies (as representative of the Natural Approach) on male and female Palestinian students’ speaking performance. The study followed the mixed approach, where two instruments (quantitative and qualitative) were used to collect the research data: a pre- and post-speaking test and the researcher’s observation. The participants were seventh graders assigned randomly into a control group (48 male and female) and an experimental group (38 male and female). The experimental group was taught using movies as an instructional technique, while the control group was taught conventionally (through presentations). The study was implemented in eight weeks. The study's findings demonstrated statistically significant differences between students' speaking performance based on the speaking test scores in favor of the experimental group. This resulted in using movies as a teaching technique, particularly in vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, and spoken grammar sub-skills. It was also revealed that no significant differences in students' speaking performance between males and females can be attributed to the teaching technique. Accordingly, some recommendations were suggested.