Listening and Language Learning

Listening is an essential part of language learning.  Although a lack of research exists surrounding listening and its value, an increase in recent studies about listening suggests that, as in the development of first languages, the acquisition of second languages also begins with listening.

It would be wise for language teachers to devote time in their class for focused study on listening skills.  Exposing learners to dialogues, whether authentic, scripted, authentic-based, or semi-scripted, exposes them to the target language.  This exposure provides opportunity for, as Krashen called it, comprehensible input.  Through this input, learners can expect to be exposed to discourse markers, vocabulary, and target grammar.  Exposure to this input also provides for incidental vocabulary learning wherein learners may more effectively retain certain words because of their own personal interest in the topic.  All the elements of this input makes it possible for learners to add new language.

Using more listening experiences in the classroom can also have other important effects on language learners.  First, it can provide a model.  If teachers choose listening texts well, the dialogues learners listen to and process can serve as a model for their future live interactions, either inside or outside the classroom.    This modeling helps learners feel more comfortable, more likely to take risks, and gives them a base from which to copy language chunks and use them in their own personal situations.

A second way that using listening texts in the classroom improves learning and encourages learners is that it builds confidence.  By giving the learners the opportunity to listen and respond to specific authentic situations inside the classroom, the teacher reduces fear and builds courage to try out the language in situations outside the classroom.

Finally, while working with listening texts, just like writing, reading, and speaking, teachers will have the opportunity to guide learners' attention to strategies.  By directly teaching specific strategies to improve listening skills, teachers give language learners the tools they need to continue increasing their listening skills in any situation in which they are exposed to new language.

By developing learners' language, providing models for behavior, teaching strategies, and building confidence, teachers not only help students strengthen one language modality, they also help learners become more independent.