Abstract:
This study focused on the use of videos as teaching/learning materials in
the study of French as a foreign language (FFL). Our main objectives were to
find out the frequency of the use of videos in French teaching/learning, as well
as the difficulties associated them. We also aimed at finding out the
perceptions of teachers and students concerning the effective integration of
these videos in the teaching/learning of FFL.
We conducted an exploratory study in two secondary schools in the Cape
Coast Metropolis. Here, data were collected by means of questionnaires,
interview guides and a non-participant observation of FFL oral classes which
used videos in French as their main teaching/learning material.
Our major findings were that, although some teachers admitted using
videos in French occasionally to teach, the use of these materials were seen as
rare in the FFL classroom. This was due to certain difficulties such as lack of
suitable multimedia devices, unavailability of adequate classroom space and
lack of adequate time. Despite the setbacks, the teachers maintained very
favourable perceptions about the use of videos in the teaching/learning of FFL,
agreeing to give more attention to it. Students also readily encouraged the use
of videos in the teaching/learning of French, as they said it made learning
French more practical and interesting. We therefore encouraged teachers to
develop classroom-based activities related to videos. We recommended that
students make active efforts in finding and using videos in French on their
own.
