Integrating videos in English as foreign language class to enhance listening comprehension : a literature review

Abstract EN

Acquiring any language implies to be able to understand what is uttered.

Listening skill is considered as the cradle for learners to ameliorate their language proficiency.

It is worth noting that listening skill is rarely dealt with in class, specifically in Algerian schools.

The focus is mostly put on the writing and reading skills.

The problem is that many teachers are not familiar with these kinds of materials (datashows, computers, projection screens…) that are very demanding in terms of time, finance and effort, and most of the time unavailable at schools.

When listening is dealt with, it is most of the time about listening to teacher's voice that is not purely authentic.

These ways of dealing with the listening skill have bad outcomes on students' listening comprehension proficiency.

Few teachers may resort to use either oral materials, or visual aids; but hardly ever the combination of both.

Many researchers such as Wright (1976), Ur (1984) and Vandergrift (1997) assert on the importance of audio-visual materials in teaching.

Video is regarded an effective teaching material since it serves to bridge the gap that exists between reality and educational syllabi.

This paper aims at shedding light on the usefulness of using videos in EFL class to ameliorate students listening comprehension.

It seeks to provide necessary techniques for using them efficiently so as to help learners to grasp what is meant since they offer visual and aural contexts simultaneously.

It further aims at investigating the contribution of videos in teaching and learning English.