Bayan Saleh Alharbi
Department of English, College of Education, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Majed Abdullah Alharbi
Department of English, College of Education, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Abeer Shujaa Alharbi
Department of English, College of Education, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
This study investigates the attitudes and practices of EFL instructors at Saudi universities regarding the use of YouTube to enhance students' speaking skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research explores instructors’ experiences through both quantitative and qualitative data. Data were collected from 105 male and female instructors across various Saudi universities via questionnaires, and from six female instructors through semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that YouTube significantly improves English language proficiency, especially in speaking skills. Instructors reported that YouTube videos aid in better pronunciation, vocabulary acquisition, and student engagement. The study underscores the effectiveness of integrating YouTube into EFL classrooms and advocates for its use as a valuable tool for developing students' spoken English. The insights gained from this research can guide best practices for incorporating digital resources in language teaching, ultimately leading to more dynamic and effective English language instruction within the gulf educational context.
[1] Liton, H.A., 2012. Developing EFL teaching and learning practices in Saudi colleges: A review. Online Submission. 5(2), 129–152.
[2]
[3] Shah, S.R., Hussain, M.A., Nasseef, O.A., 2013. Factors impacting EFL teaching: An exploratory study in the Saudi Arabian context. Arab World English Journal. 4(3).
[4]
[5] Derakhshan, A., Khalili, A.N., Beheshti, F., 2016. Developing EFL learner's speaking ability, accuracy and fluency. English Language and Literature Studies. 6(2), 177–186.
[6] Hamad, M.M., Metwally, A.A., Alfaruque, S.Y., 2019. The impact of using YouTubes and audio tracks imitation YATI on improving speaking skills of EFL learners. English Language Teaching. 12(6), 191–198.
[7]
[8] Alharbi, A.S., 2020. Wikis in language learning: merits and limitations. Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics. 2(4), 79–88.
[9] Phetsut, P., Waemusa, Z., 2022. Effectiveness of mobile assisted language learning (MALL)-based intervention on developing Thai EFL learners' oral accuracy. International Journal of Technology in Education. 5(4), 571–585.
[10]
[11] Nuha, M.U., Saputri, T., 2021. Improving studnets' speaking skills through YouTube videos: Systematic review. Konstruktivisme: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran. 13(1), 25–36.
[12]
[13] Dizon, G., 2022. YouTube for second language learning: What does the research tell Us? Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 5(1), 19–26.
[14]
[15] Richards, J.C., Rodgers, T.S., 2014. Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University press: Cambridge, MA.
[16] Piaget, J., 1953. The origins of intelligence in children. Basic Books: New York, NY.
[17] Vygotsky, L.S., 1978. Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA.
[18] Wertsch, J., 1997. Vygotsky and the formation of the mind. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA.
[19] Liu, C.H., Matthews, R., 2005. Vygotsky's philosophy: Constructivism and its criticisms examined. International Education Journal. 6(3), 386–399.
[20] Chapelle, C.A., 2019. Technology-mediated language learning. The Cambridge handbook of language learning, 575–596.
[21]
[22] Shield, L., 2002. Technology-mediated learning. Good Practice Guide.
[23]
[24] Mayer, R.E., 1997. Multimedia learning: Are we asking the right questions? Educational psychologist. 32(1), 1–19.
[25]
[26] Buphate, T., Esteban, R.H., 2022. Using ideation discussion activities in design thinking to develop EFL students' speaking and critical thinking abilities. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network. 15(1), 682–708.
[27]
[28] John, E., Yunus, M.M., 2021. A systematic review of social media integration to teach speaking. Sustainability. 13(16), 9047.
[29]
[30] Ghasemi, A.A., Mozaheb, M.A., 2021. Developing EFL learners' speaking fluency: Use of practical techniques. MEXTESOL Journal. 45(2), n2.
[31]
[32] Alharbi, A.S., 2021. Barriers in Implementing Communicative Language Teaching Approach: EFL Learners' Perspective. Journal of Education and Practice. 12(6), 1–20. Available from: https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/view/55748
[33] Alharbi, A.S., 2024. Communicative Language Teaching Approach in a Saudi Context: A Critical Appraisal. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 10(1), 60–71.
[34] Wahyuni, D.E.D., 2019. A study on factors causing students difficulties in speaking English [Doctoral Dissertation]. Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto.
[35] Alrasheedi, S., 2020. Investigation of factors influencing the speaking performance of Saudi EFL learners. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ). 11, 66–77.
[36]
[37] Istifci, I., Ucar, A.D., 2021. A review of research on the use of social media in language teaching and learning. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning. 4(3), 475–488.
[38]
[39] Rufino, G.G., 2024. Methods Used in YouTube for Teaching and Learning English Language: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of English Language Studies. 6(1), 82–97.
[40] Ismail Al-Oqaily, E., Bin Haji Salam, A.R., Kew, S.N., 2022. The use of blackboard in the practice of English-speaking skills among Saudi EFL learners during COVID-19. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) 2nd Special Issue on Covid 19 Challenges.
[41] Xiuwen, Z., Razali, A.B., 2021. An overview of the utilization of TikTok to improve oral English communication competence among EFL undergraduate students. Universal Journal of Educational Research. 9(7), 1439–1451.
[42]
[43] Mahmudah, K., 2022. The research review about using YouTube-English channels in improving students' English foreign language skill. JR-ELT (Journal of Research in English Language Teaching). 6(1), 13–25.
[44]
[45] Ilyas, M., Putri, M.E., 2020. YouTube Channel: An alternative social media to enhance EFL students' speaking skills. J-SHMIC: Journal of English for Academic. 7(1), 77–87.
[46]
[47] Çoklar, A.N., Cihangir, H.H., 2021. Using YouTube as an education environment: Examining follower views. International Technology and Education Journal. 5(1), 50–60.
[48]
[49] Albahlal, F.S., 2019. The impact of YouTube on improving secondary school students' speaking skills: English language teachers' perspectives. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research. 6(2), 1–17.
[50]
[51] Sari, A.B.P., Dardjito, H., Azizah, D.M., 2020. EFL Students' improvement through the reflective YouTube Video project. International Journal of Instruction. 13(4), 393–408.
[52]
[53] Toleuzhan, A., Sarzhanova, G., Romanenko, S., et al., 2023. The educational use of YouTube videos in communication fluency development in English: Digital learning and oral skills in secondary education. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. 11(1), 198–221.
[54]
[55] Clark, V.L.P., Creswell, J.W., Green, D.O.N., et al., 2008. Mixing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Handbook of emergent methods. 363, 363–387.
[56]
[57] Dornyei, Z., 2007. Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford University Press: New York. 336p.
[58] Parker, C., Scott, S., Geddes, A., 2019. Snowball sampling. SAGE research methods foundations: San Francisco, CA.
[59]
[60] Jones, S., Murphy, F., Edwards, M., et al., 2008. Doing things differently: advantages and disadvantages of web questionnaires. Nurse Researcher. 15(4).
[61]
[62] Merriam, S., Tisdell, E., 2016. Qualitative research: a guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass, Cop.: San Francisco, CA.
[63] Ivankova, N.V., Creswell, J.W., Stick, S.L., 2006. Using mixed-methods sequential explanatory design: From theory to practice. Field Methods. 18(1), 3–20.
[64] Adeoye‐Olatunde, O.A., Olenik, N.L., 2021. Research and scholarly methods: Semi‐structured interviews. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. 4(10), 1358–1367.
[65]
[66] Braun, V., Clarke, V., 2012. Thematic analysis. American Psychological Association: Washington, DC.
[67] Purwanti, N.K.R., Suwastini, N.K.A., Adnyani, N.L.P.S., et al., 2022. YouTube videos for improving speaking skills: the benefits and challenges according to recent research in EFL context. Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi Dan Kejuruan. 19(1), 66–75.
Copyright © 2024 Bayan Saleh Alharbi, Majed Abdullah Alharbi, Abeer Shujaa Alharbi
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
