The use of feature films in teaching English as a foreign language in Algeria

Many learners of English Language in Algeria struggle with the basics of the language; poor understanding, poor grammar, inadequate vocabulary, and lack of four language skills. One of the crucial challenges, a teacher of English as a foreign language may face in Algeria, is that English is not used authentically in the settings in which learners live, and learners are not motivated to learn in a conventional way. One of the widespread multimedia technologies which has become gradually more common in the teaching of English as a foreign language field is film application. Research literature points out the advantages of using films in language classes, and how they can improve students' language four skills. This research project is aimed at exploring the perceived effectiveness of the use of feature films in teaching English as a foreign language in the Algerian Universities. It investigates how an English teacher can make the best use films as a teaching resource and to what extent they could help developing the English students' language skills, and build a wide range of advanced vocabulary. The project was carried out at the University of Jijel, Algeria involving first year EFL students and teachers of Oral Expression subject, relying on three instruments: questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and class teaching observation. The interim findings have shown that the use of films is to a great extent effective in EFL classes. The project concluded that learners can enhance their learning skills by means if feature films in the EFL context.