Exploring the Role of English Movies in Language Learning: Senior High School Students' Perceptions

Exploring EFL Learners' Experiences of Using English Movies to Enhance Listening Skills

This study aimed to explore EFL learners’ experiences of using English movies to enhance their listening skills, identify the benefits they gained, and examine the challenges they encountered during the learning process. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of learners’ experiences. The participants consisted of three undergraduate EFL students purposively selected from a private university in Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that watching English movies significantly contributed to the improvement of learners’ listening skills by enhancing their comprehension of authentic spoken English, pronunciation, vocabulary acquisition, and awareness of various English accents. Furthermore, the participants reported increased motivation, confidence, and enjoyment in learning English through authentic audiovisual materials. Despite these benefits, they experienced several obstacles, including rapid speech, unfamiliar accents, connected speech, and limited vocabulary. To address these challenges, they adopted various learning strategies such as using subtitles, replaying difficult scenes, and inferring meaning from context. The study implies that integrating English movies into EFL instruction can provide an engaging and authentic learning environment that effectively supports listening development while fostering learners’ motivation and autonomous learning skills.

The Use of English Movies In Reading Instruction: What Do Students Think?

English movies have become one of the media used in English language learning, particularly to support reading activities. They can provide correct language input and increase students’ interest in learning English. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of English movies on students’ responses in teaching reading. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. The participants of the study were twenty-eight tenth-grade students from a  private senior High School, consisting of ten males and eighteen females. The data of this study were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The research results show that overall, many students responded positively to English movies in their reading learning activities. Students believed that films could help foster a strong interest in reading, increase vocabulary, and enhance their understanding of English text. However, some students struggled with context, accent, and unfamiliar vocabulary. In conclusion, English movies can be a more enjoyable learning medium for reading instruction. Although there are still many challenges to overcome, they can foster a strong interest in reading and motivate students.

Exploring the English learners ’ experience in speaking by using the shadowing technique

The Effectiveness of English Language Learning Among Elementary School Students

This study explores the effectiveness of English language learning among elementary school students at State Elementary School 20 Bireuen, Aceh, Indonesia. Effective English instruction at the elementary level is essential because it provides a strong foundation for students’ future language development and communication skills. This study aims to identify students’ learning experiences, teaching practices, and the factors influencing the effectiveness of English language learning. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through classroom observations, questionnaires, and documentation involving 100 fifth- and sixth-grade students. The findings indicate that English language learning is generally effective, as reflected in students’ positive attitudes, active participation, and satisfactory understanding of the learning materials. Approximately 75% of students expressed a high interest in learning English, while 68% reported that they understood the lessons delivered by the teacher. Interactive teaching methods, including games, group discussions, and the use of visual media, were found to enhance students’ engagement and motivation. However, some students continued to experience difficulties, particularly in grammar and vocabulary, indicating the need for more individualized instructional support. In addition, teacher creativity, student motivation, and support from the home environment emerged as important factors influencing learning effectiveness. The findings suggest that implementing interactive teaching strategies and strengthening collaboration between schools and families can improve the quality of English language learning at the elementary school level.

College Students’ Perceptions of English Language Learning: Uncovering Barriers, Experiences, and Strategies for Language Development

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of college students regarding English language learning in a Philippine higher education institution. Specifically, it examined students' views, emotional experiences, and insights to better understand the factors influencing their English language development. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed, involving ten purposively selected college students enrolled in Purposive Communication during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and meanings across participants' narratives. The findings revealed that students perceived English as an essential tool for personal growth, career advancement, and effective communication despite experiencing limited language exposure, vocabulary deficiencies, and difficulties in speaking and writing. Participants also described emotional challenges, including anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, lack of confidence, and disappointment, particularly during oral communication and classroom presentations. At the same time, they expressed gratitude for supportive teachers and peers and demonstrated strong motivation to improve their language proficiency. Furthermore, students emphasized the importance of collaborative learning, practical language-learning strategies, emotional resilience, and self-compassion in overcoming learning difficulties. The study concludes that English language learning is a multidimensional process shaped by cognitive, emotional, and social factors rather than linguistic competence alone. These findings highlight the need for learner-centered instructional approaches that integrate academic support with affective development to enhance students' confidence and communication skills. The study contributes to the growing body of qualitative research on English language learning by providing context-specific insights that may inform curriculum development, instructional practices, and future research aimed at fostering holistic language education in higher education institutions.

Students’ Social Media Preferences as Secondary Learning Sources for Learning English (a Survey on Aceh English Major Undergraduate Students)

This study aims to examine the preferences of undergraduate English students in Aceh in utilizing social media as a secondary learning resource in English learning. The study used a descriptive quantitative approach with data collection techniques through questionnaires distributed to English students from several universities in Aceh. Data were analyzed descriptively to identify the types of platforms used, the purposes of use, and students' perceptions of the benefits of social media in language learning. The results show that social media plays a significant role as a supplementary learning resource outside of formal classroom learning. The most frequently used platforms include WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, and X, which are used for vocabulary development, listening and speaking practice, reading improvement, and writing skills. Students tend to choose platforms that are easily accessible, interactive, flexible, and provide authentic English content. These findings confirm that the use of social media encourages the development of digital literacy and student learning autonomy. This study provides an empirical contribution to the development of technology-based English learning strategies and serves as a reference for educators and educational institutions in integrating social media more effectively in the learning process.