Effectiveness of Authentic Videos in Improving Speaking Skills: An Exploration of Teachers’ Perspectives

Abstract

This quantitative study was designed to explore English Language Teachers’ perception of the effectiveness of using authentic videos in the classroom in terms of improving the speaking skills at the Ishik University preparatory school of English language. It also aimed to indicate associated factors that might influence the effectiveness of authentic videos from the teachers’ perspective. An online questionnaire survey including open-ended questions, dealing with attitudes and perceptions of authentic video usage to improve speaking skills from the teacher perspective, was distributed to 43 teachers. 30 of those teachers responded the questionnaire within 15 days in preparatory school of Ishik University located in Erbil, Iraq. The results of this study showed that teachers are satisfied with using authentic video materials during the EFL courses. They also indicated that using authentic videos motivates the students to take part in speaking classes. Moreover, from the teachers’ perspectives, authentic videos help students to improve their self-esteem while speaking more than those who are studying traditionally.