The impact of authentic materials on rural secondary english learners

Abstract

This Master’s research aims at describing to what extent the implementation of authentic materials (brochures, advertisements, product descriptions) impacts the intercultural competence of secondary EFL learners from a public rural high school in Nariño. This paper was carried out by collecting and analyzing the data by reviewing key concepts and designing a didactic sequence. Before applying all the elements of the didactic sequence, a semi-structured interview was applied. After this, a written and speaking pre-test was employed. Then, the didactic sequence was executed based on the concept of authenticity. Next, a written and speaking post-test phase was conducted for comparing results. Finally, an online questionnaire was employed to find out students’ perceptions after the implementation of this teaching strategy. After all, considering the findings, the application of materials based on authenticity helped students enhance their intercultural communicative competence and English-speaking and writing skills. A supplementary benefit of this didactic strategy, the application of the questionnaire shows an increase in curiosity and motivation when using brochures, advertisements, and product descriptions for speaking tasks.