Abstract:
As language and culture are two inseparable entities, language teachers need to take
the culture of the target language into consideration during their teaching practices in
order to have learners who are able to speak the language well and understand the
social context in which it exists. Also, as 21st century teachers, we cannot deny the
efficacy of technology integrated courses to maximize learning. Grounded on this
information, this research aimed to find out the effects of videos on the knowledge of
the target culture of EFL students and to analyse students’ perceptions about learning
culture of the target language. The participants of the study included 60 students
enrolled at a public university in Turkey during 2016-2017 academic year. Both
qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a Target Culture
Knowledge Test and an attitude questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews
regarding students’ perceptions about learning the culture of the target language. The
results of the study pointed out that using videos enhanced students’ knowledge about
the target culture. Also, the results indicated that students had a positive attitude
toward learning the target culture. The findings can contribute to curriculum
developers, teachers, instructors and teacher educators.
