Using authentic cultural materials in Estonian secondary EFL instruction

Abstract

The article reports on a study into the extent to which authentic cultural materials are introduced in secondary foreign language teaching in Estonia, and the effect these materials may have on learner motivation. The hypothesis is that the inclusion of such materials in EFL teaching will have a positive effect on learner motivation at upper secondary school level. Three research approaches have been applied: two surveys into teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of the value of authentic cultural materials in language learning and a case study into the impact of those materials on learner motivation. The results show that the levels of learners’ on-task behaviour, overall class motivation and self-reported learner motivation increase with the employment of these materials, and therefore they should be incorporated in the classroom on a regular basis to promote intercultural learning.

Keywords

• culture
• authenticity
• learner motivation
• teaching materials
• English