Why digital media matters for English speaking education
Digital
platforms are now deeply embedded in students’ daily lives. Teenagers routinely
consume video content through smartphones, making YouTube a familiar and
accessible learning environment. In education, this shift raises an important
question: can popular digital media be transformed into meaningful learning
tools rather than remaining sources of entertainment?
The
researchers argue that YouTube offers unique advantages for language learning
because it provides authentic spoken English, real-life contexts, and diverse
accents. Unlike scripted textbook dialogues, YouTube videos expose students to
how English is actually used in everyday communication. This is particularly
relevant in Indonesia, where opportunities to interact with native English
speakers are limited.
Against
this backdrop, the study explores students’ direct experiences of learning
English speaking through YouTube, focusing on how they engage with video
content and how it influences their confidence and speaking habits.
How the study was conducted
The
research used a qualitative case study approach to capture in-depth
student experiences rather than test scores. The study involved eight
tenth-grade students from a private high school in Indonesia. Data were
collected through interviews and focus group discussions, allowing
students to describe their learning processes, challenges, and perceptions in
their own words.
Instead
of measuring speaking performance numerically, the researchers analyzed
patterns in student responses to understand how YouTube functioned as a
learning medium. The analysis focused on how students interacted with videos,
how teachers guided the process, and how digital content connected classroom
learning with real-life language use.
The
YouTube channel most frequently used by students in this study was Linguamarina,
a popular English-learning channel known for explaining pronunciation, daily
expressions, and conversational English through contextual examples.
Key findings from the classroom
The
study found that YouTube plays a positive role in developing English speaking
skills, although its effectiveness varies depending on student proficiency and
teacher guidance. Several key findings stand out:
Authentic
language exposure, Students reported that YouTube videos helped them hear natural English spoken
by fluent speakers. This exposure improved their understanding of
pronunciation, intonation, and everyday expressions that are rarely emphasized
in textbooks.
Vocabulary and pronunciation improvement, Many students felt they gained new vocabulary and became more aware of correct pronunciation simply by watching and repeating phrases from videos. Repetition and replay features allowed them to practice at their own pace.
Flexible and self-paced learning, YouTube enabled students to learn anytime and anywhere. Videos could be paused, replayed, or revisited, reducing pressure and allowing independent practice outside the classroom.
Increased
confidence in speaking, Regular exposure to spoken English helped students feel more confident when
practicing speaking in class. Several students said they felt less anxious
because they were already familiar with how English sounded in real situations.
However, the study also identified limitations, stuedents with lower English proficiency found some videos difficult to follow, especially when speakers talked too fast or used advanced vocabulary. For these learners, YouTube alone was not sufficient without additional explanation
Real-world impact and implications
The
findings carry practical implications for education stakeholders:
- For teachers, YouTube can serve as a powerful supplementary tool for teaching speaking, especially when combined with discussions, role-play, and pronunciation practice.
- For students, YouTube supports independent learning and confidence building, particularly for learners with sufficient basic English skills.
- For schools, reliable internet access and digital infrastructure are essential to maximize the benefits of video-based learning.
- For policymakers, the study highlights the need for teacher training programs that focus on pedagogical use of digital media, not just technical skills.
In
broader terms, the research shows how popular platforms can be repurposed to
address long-standing challenges in language education. When used thoughtfully,
YouTube helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world
communication.
Author profiles
Nurul
Afiyattena, M.Pd. Lecturer at La Tansa Mashiro University.
Expertise: English
language education and digital media in learning.
Siti
Hanna Sumedi, M.Pd. Lecturer at La Tansa Mashiro University.
Expertise: English teaching
methodology and classroom innovation.
Tati
Nurholis, M.Pd. Lecturer at La Tansa Mashiro University.
Expertise: English as a Foreign
Language (EFL) and instructional media.
Source
Nurul Afiyattena, Siti Hanna Sumedi, Tati Nurholis. Investigating the English-Speaking Learning Using YouTube Channel: A Study at a Private High School. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS), Vol. 5 No. 1, hlm. 327-342.2026.
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