This research investigated the use of YouTube video clips to develop the understanding of culture for students in American Culture class in a private university in Bandung. It sought to answer two research problems; first, students’ perceptions towards the use of YouTube video clips to develop their understanding of American culture; second, to what extent watching YouTube video clips supported the students’ understanding of American culture. The participants of this research were 61 undergraduate students of the English Department aged between 18-21 years. There were two types of data collection used in the research. First, data were taken from the weekly learning logs of the students containing three to five questions and one or two YouTube video clips, which were related to the topics of the textbook in the classroom. Second, the data from the open-ended questionnaire which were distributed to the students at the end of the semester. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings show that the students’ understanding of American culture has improved due to watching YouTube video clips that contain authentic cultural information from American life events and news shown in the clips. This research also provides useful information for teachers in teaching culture for a better learning process, which focuses on the use of YouTube video clips in the classroom.
This research had been conducted to investigate Indonesian teaching materials which corresponded with the Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in Indonesian to facilitate students’ learning. Therefore, this case study was conducted in Indonesian Language for Foreigners (BIPA) classes at a private university in Bandung, Indonesia. The objectives of the research were; to investigate BIPA students’ perceptions of the current language learning materials used; to discover to what extent the international students’ WTC was influenced by the current language material; and to explore the BIPA teachers’ strategies in developing language materials that facilitate the students’ WTC inside and outside the classroom. Semi-structured-interviews with seven BIPA students and four teachers and classroom recordings were used to collect data. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. The findings show that the listening activities and interview assignments implemented in the current language materials, also the teachers’ strategies in class, such as using authentic materials and social media have positively impacted the students’ WTC. The findings of this research contribute to the classroom practice and material development of Indonesian to facilitate students’ learning and increase students’ WTC in Indonesian.
In one classroom, students bring various motivations to learn English. However, not all motivations directly connect to their engagement in class. Since students' engagement affects their learning and long-term success, it plays a significant role in Second Language Acquisition. Since March 2020, due to COVID-19 Indonesian students and schools have had to go through massive learning changes without being much prepared. This research aims to inquire what factors are influencing the university students' engagement during online learning and study to what extent Teacher-Student Relationship (TSR) influence the engagement of university students during online learning using a qualitative case study method to stress how positive TSR is essential to get through this challenging time. To collect data, the researchers surveyed using the Student Instructor-Relationship Scale (SIRS). They also used open-ended questions, video recordings containing the reflections from 35 students, and interviews from students and teachers. Students' assessments were evaluated to analyze the relationship between TSR and their engagement and performance in class. Results showed that Indonesian students were facing various challenges. It turned out that 13 students who had personal check-ins with the teacher had a positive perception toward the teacher; their engagement was slightly better. Their instructor anxiety was lower than the whole class average. A variety of pedagogical implications are suggested to support students in overcoming the challenges they face, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This research examined university students' cultural understanding based on cultural activities that they had experienced. The data were gathered from 20 Indonesian university students who were attending American culture class through a questionnaire and ten learning logs. These students had experienced four different types of cultural activities. They were asked to share the experiences they have had regarding the cultural activities in the questionnaire and their gained knowledge related to each cultural activities in the learning log. The qualitative data were analyzed manually and classified into tables. The findings were used to explore student's understanding of the use of cultural activities in learning and understanding American culture. In conclusion, the students gain deeper understanding after experiencing the cultural activities regarding American culture. The cultural activities practiced in this research can be used and developed for other subjects to enhance teaching and learning process in the classroom, especially to increase students' comprehension of the particular subjects.
The research investigated the use of email interview to develop the critical thinking and creativity of the university students in American culture classes. The students conducted email interview with Americans for group project and had group discussion with the Americans. Learning culture was an integral part of learning a language, which was crucial for the Englsih as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners to develop their awareness and understanding of the rich and dynamic cultural aspects of the target language. Thus, providing cultural experiences through project-based learning (PBL) would be motivating for the language learners in exploring the target culture. The data were collected from students’ open-ended online questionnaire and observation notes, which contain students’ interview result and their presentation slides. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used in analyzing the data. The findings indicate that the use of project-based approach is helpful to enhance the students’ understanding and critical thinking skills. Moreover, it is found that the students’ positive attitude has increased due to the use of PBL. They are more critical towards the cultural phenomenon since their communication skill has developed.
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