The use of authentic materials in teaching English as a foreign language and their impact on social development

Abstract

The present research study focuses on the use of authentic material in the teaching of English as a foreign language and its influence on the social development of students. In the age of digital information, where the Internet provides vast access to a variety of audiovisual resources of varying complexity, the selection of relevant and authentic sources has become a significant challenge in language education. The media culture in which students are immersed demands an adaptation in teaching methods. In this context, quantitative research was carried out with the participation of 40 students from the Language Center of the Technical University of Babahoyo. Data collection involved the implementation of semi-structured interviews, students' academic diaries, and thematic analyses. The results revealed that the introduction of authentic material, such as newspaper articles, videos, and real conversations, into the process of teaching English as a foreign language, had a positive impact on the development of oral and comprehension skills, as well as student motivation. In addition, it was evidenced that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a crucial role in facilitating access to this authentic material. This pedagogical approach proves to be an effective tool in preparing students for communication in real situations of everyday life and enriches their educational experience.