English Movies in a Malaysian English as a Second Language (ESL) Classroom Setting

Educators of second and foreign languages have paid close attention to the use of media specifically in English teaching and learning. The use of media includes watching movies, listening to music, watching films, and using other types of entertainment-related learning resources. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of English movies in second language learning acquisition. A quantitative research method was used to collect the data, with a questionnaire administered to 102 registered students of semester two and three from different non-English diploma programmes at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Raub, Pahang. Based on the findings, language learners believe that movies are authentic sources of language learning and that they can be used effectively to improve their language skills such as speaking, listening and reading. Not only that, movies are also helpful for increasing student awareness of culture. More research is suggested to examine the types of movies on which language learners can rely in order to improve their language skills, compare groups learning English movies and control groups without movies using role-play activity, and assess the stress level of learning English through traditional classroom methods and watching movies. Hence, it would be understandable how movies can be used as educational tools in ESL classrooms.