Effects of videos on students’ knowledge of the target language culture

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.