ENHANCING LISTENING COMPREHENSION THROUGH AUTHENTIC AUDIO MATERIALS
Keywords:
Listening Comprehension, Authentic Audio Materials, EFL, Learner Perceptions, Mixed-Methods StudyAbstract
Listening comprehension plays a crucial role in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning, as it serves as the primary source of linguistic input and supports the development of other language skills. Despite its importance, listening instruction in many EFL classrooms relies on scripted and simplified materials that do not reflect authentic language use. This study investigates the effectiveness of authentic audio materials in enhancing EFL learners’ listening comprehension and examines learners’ perceptions of their use in classroom instruction. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving 60 Uzbek secondary school EFL learners at the intermediate (B1) level. Quantitative data were collected through listening comprehension pre-tests and post-tests, while qualitative data were gathered using a learner perception questionnaire and classroom observations. Over a six-week intervention period, students were exposed to various authentic audio materials, including podcasts, interviews, news reports, and real-life conversational recordings. The results of the quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in learners’ listening comprehension performance after the intervention. Qualitative findings indicated that learners perceived authentic audio materials as engaging, motivating, and beneficial for understanding natural speech, improving confidence, and developing effective listening strategies. The study concludes that integrating authentic audio materials into EFL instruction can effectively enhance listening comprehension and better prepare learners for real-world communication.
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