YOUTUBE AS A TOOL FOR LEARNING ENGLISH MILITARY TERMINOLOGY BY CADETS OF NON-LINGUISTIC SPECIALTIES

Abstract

The research examines the efficacy of YouTube as a resource for acquiring English military terminology and its influence on cadets' linguistic education. A mixed-methods approach is employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate advancements in vocabulary acquisition, understanding, and retention. The research encompassed 100 military academy cadets, categorized according to English skill levels ranging from A1 to B2. The experimental group utilized YouTube videos with genuine military conversations and training footage, whereas the control group engaged in conventional study methods. The study's findings demonstrate that video content markedly enhances learners' language abilities, fosters immersion in the linguistic context, and offers an engaging educational experience. Following six weeks of training, the experimental group had test results that were 35% superior to baseline, but the control group achieved merely an 18% enhancement. The most significant improvement in outcomes was observed among intermediate-level cadets (B1), validating the efficacy of the audiovisual approach. The Mann-Whitney U-test further validated a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). Surveys with participants in the experimental group indicated substantial motivation to study, and enhanced contextual comprehension of military terminology. Participants in the A1 level trial encountered challenges in comprehending the rapid speech and the extensive array of new military vocabulary in videos, necessitating further adaption of instructional methods (simplified bilingual introductory videos were selected with Ukrainian translation of key terms, slow-paced speech, subtitles; glossaries with key terms were added to each topic; cadets at this level were asked to focus on passive recognition and understanding of vocabulary, as well as voluntary memorization of terms using flashcards). This study highlights the considerable potential of YouTube as a valuable teaching tool in military language training and demonstrates the necessity for its incorporation into curricula. The findings may benefit educators and methodologists at military academies and institutes focused on teaching military professionals in English.