Exploring the Use of Video-clips for Motivation Building in a Secondary School EFL Setting

Abstract

By employing an action research framework, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a video-based curriculum in motivating EFL learners to learn English. Fifteen Korean EFL students at the secondary school context participated in an 8-week English program, which employed video clips including TED talk replays, sitcoms, TV news reports and movies as its main study material. Results from the motivation surveys (adapted from Gardner, 1985) and interviews with students showed that 1) after taking the class, students became more motivated, especially in terms of gaining a positive attitude for the English language and culture, and 2) competitive group activities that followed the watching of video materials positively influenced student participation. Implications for EFL classrooms with low student motivation are discussed.