The Perspectives of EFL Instructors on the Use of Authentic Materials in the Classroom: Charmo University as a Case Study

Abstract

Teaching materials have a fundamental role in the language classes. Authentic materials are considered vital to enhance the learners’ abilities to transfer what they learn inside the class to the outside world. The current paper investigates Charmo University EFL instructors’ perspectives on the use of authentic materials in the class. The data has been gathered among Charmo University EFL instructors through the use of a questionnaire. The results reveal that the majority of the instructors are aware of the benefits of authentic materials and prefer to use them in the class for both listening and reading and for all the levels. Likewise, the participants rely on the internet as a major source for obtaining authentic materials, followed by TV and Radio.  Additionally, the participants also confirm that they need trainings for developing their abilities to select appropriate authentic materials and design authentic activities in the class. Lastly, the paper recommends English departments, universities and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to run training courses and workshops to enhance EFL instructors’ abilities to use such materials successfully in the class.