A comparative study on the use of listening strategies among adult and teenage EFL learners and their achievement in a language institute
Abstract
The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between the listening strategies that were used by teenagers and adult EFL learners in their listening class and the relationship with their listening achievement in a language institute in Kerman. The goal was making clear if the use of particular strategies can have any impact on the listening achievement of the learners. Two groups established the participants of the study: adults and teenagers. To homogenize these candidates in both groups, Oxford Placement Test was administered. Based on the test of listening, the learners were classified into three groups of high, mid and low for both groups. For this study, three instruments were used to collect the required data: 1) Oxford Placement Test, 2) listening strategies questionnaire (Vendergrift, 1997) and 3) PET listening test. The questionnaire contained 21 items. Based on achieved data of the study, it was proved that the adult and teenager candidates used some listening strategies more than others. The mean score for direct attention category was calculated to be 4.63 for the adult learners. It means that the adult learners used more direct attention as the dominant listening strategy. Based on the ranks for each category, the first ranking was given to direct attention, the second to planning and the third to problem solving and the last to mental translation. As it was discussed before, in two cases, problem solving and mental translation, meaningful relationship could be observed between the levels and categories. In other words it was discussed that the three levels of teenagers responded differently to these two categories and they had different views towards them.
Abstract:
Listening Strategies, Listening Skill, EFL.
فهرست مطالب
1.2. Background of the study. 3
1.3. Statement of the problem.. 6
1.4. Significance of the study. 7
1.5. Objectives of the Study. 7
1.6. Theoretical Framework of the Study. 7
1.9. Definition of Key terms. 9
1.10. Limitations and Delimitations of the study. 10
Chapter Two : Literature Review
2.4. Listening Comprehension and Implications. 25
2.5. Processes for Comprehension. 27
2.6. Studies on Learning Strategies. 29
3.6. Data Collection and Analysis Procedures. 45
Chapter Four : Data Presentation and Discussion. 47
4.2. Normality of the data. 48
4.3. Research questions discussion. 49
Chapter Five : Results and Implications
5.3. Examining Research Hypotheses. 57
5.5. Pedagogical Implications. 60
5.6. Suggestions for Further Studies. 60
APPENDIX 1: Listening Strategy Questionnaire. 71
List of Figures
Fig. 2.1. Anderson’s comprehension model based on cognitive learning theory. 17
Fig 3.1. The age of the learners. 41
Fig 3.2. Level of learners. 42
List of Tables
Table 3.2. Listening level of the learners. 41
Table 3.3. subcategories of the questionnaire. 43
Table 3.4. reliability index of the questionnaire. 44
Table 4.1. One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test 48
Table 4.2. Descriptive Statistics of listening strategy categories for adults. 49
Table 4.3. Descriptive Statistics of listening strategy categories for teenagers. 50
Table 4.4. One-sample statistics for the teenagers. 51
Table 4.5. One sample statistics for each level (teenagers). 51
Table 4.6: ANOVA Test for categories and three levels (teenagers). 51
Table 4.7. One-sample statistics for the adults. 52
Table 4.8. One sample statistics for the levels of adults. 52
Table 4.9: ANOVA Test for categories and three levels (adults). 52
Table 4.10. Relationship between adult and teenagers responses to categories. 53
منابع
- Abbasian, R., Khajavi, Y. And Mardani, A. (2012). Language Learning Strategies of Iranian EFL Learners: Are Gender And Educational Level Academic Research International, 3 (2) 350-356.
- Al-Natour, A. (2012). The Most Frequently Language Learning Strategies Used by Jordanian University Students at Yarmouk University that Affect EFL Learning. European Journal of Social Sciences, 29 (4), 528-536.
- Alhaisoni, E. (2012). Language Learning Strategy Use of Saudi EFL Students in an Intensive English Learning Context. Asian Social Science, 8 (13), 115- 127.
- Bacon, S.M., (1992). The relationship between gender, comprehension, processing strategies, and cognitive and affective response in foreign language listening. The modern language journal, 76 (2), 160-178.
- Bruner, J. S. (1990). Acts of meaning. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
- O’Malley, J., & Chamot, A. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Web site: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139524490.
- Brown, H. (2001). Teaching by principles: An interactive approach to language pedagogy (2nd ). New York: Longman.
- Chamot, A.U., & L. Kupper. (1989). Learning strategies in foreign language instruction. Foreign Language Annals, 22, 13-24
- Chamot, A. U. (1995). Language learning strategy instruction: Current issues and research. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 25, 112-130.
- Ching-Yi, C & Shu-Chen, L & Yi-Nian, L. (2008). A Study of Language Learning Strategies Used by College EFL Learners in Taiwan.
- Corder, S. P. (1967). The significance of learner’s errors. International Review of Applied Linguistics, 5, 161-170.
- Cross, J. (2009). Effects of listening strategy instruction on news videotext comprehension. Language Teaching Research, 13, 151-176. doi:
- 1177/1362168809103446
- Dunkel, P. (1986). Developing listening fluency in L2: Theoretical principles and pedagogical The Modern Language Journal, 70, 99-106.
- Dunkel, P. (1991). Listening in the native and second/ foreign language: Toward an integration of research and practice. TESOL Quartely 25: 431-57.
- Ehrman, M., Leaver, B.L. and Oxford, R.L., (2003). A brief overview of individual differences in second language learning. System, 31 (3), 313-330.
- Elkhafaifi, H. (2005). Listening comprehension and anxiety in the Arabic language classroom. The Modern Language Journal, 89, 206-220.
- Ferris, D. (1998). Students’ Views of Academic Aural/Oral Skills: A Comparative Needs TESOL Quarterly, 32(2), 289-318.
- Goh, C.C.M., (2002). Exploring listening comprehension tactics and their interaction patterns. System, 30 (2), 185-206.
- Goh, C. M., & Foong, K. P., (1997). Chinese ESL students’ learning strategies: A look at frequency, proficiency and gender. Hong Kong Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2, 39–53.
- Graham, S., (1997). Effective language learning: positive strategies for advanced level language learning. UK: Multilingual Matters Ltd.
- Green, J. M., & Oxford, R. L. (1995). A closer look at learning strategies, L2 proficiency, and gender. TESOL Quarterly, 29 (2), 261–297.
- Griffiths, C. (2003). Patterns of language learning strategy use. System, 31 (3), 367–383.
- Griffiths, C. (2007). Language learning strategies: students’ and teachers’ perceptions, ELT Journal, 61 (2), 91-99.
- Hansen, J. and Stansfield, C., (1981). The relationship of field dependent-independent cognitive styles to foreign language achievement. Language learning, 31 (2), 349-367.
- Hong-Nam, K., & Leavell, A. G. (2006). Language learning strategy use of ESL students in an intensive English learning context. System, 34, 399–415.
- Hou, C. (2005). Language Learning Strategy Use of Chinese ESL Students in an Intensive English Learning Context.
- Hulstijin, J. H. (2003). Connectionist models of language processing and the training of listening skills with the aid of multimedia software. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 16, 413-425.
- Kaylani, C. (1996). The influence of gender and motivation on EFL learning strategy use in Jordan. In R. Oxford (Ed.), Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-culturalperspectives (Technical Report #13) (pp. 75-88). Honolulu: University of Hawai’i, Second Language Teaching and Curriculum Center.
- Khosravi, M. (2012). A Study of Language Learning Strategies Used by EFL Learners in Iran: Exploring Proficiency Effect on English Language Learning Strategies. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2 (10), 2122-2132.
- Krashen, S. (1985). The input hypotheses: Issues and implications. Harlow: Longman.
- Liu, H. J. (2008). A study of the interrelationship between listening strategy use, listening proficiency levels, and learning style. RARECLS, 5, 84-104.
- Long, D. (1990). What you don’t know can’t help you: An exploratory study of background knowledge and second language listening comprehension. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 12, 65-80.
- Macaro, E., Graham, S. and Vanderplank, R., (2007). A review of listening strategies: focus on sources of knowledge and on success. In: Cohen, A.D. and Macaro, E., eds. Language learner strategies: 30 years of research and practice. England: Oxford University Press, 165-185.
- Mendelsohn, D. j. (1994). Learning to listen: A strategy based approach for the second language learner. San Diego: Dominie Press.
- Mendelsohn, D.J. (1995) . Applying Learning Strategies in the Second/Foreign Language Listening Comprehension Lesson. In D. J. Mendelsohn and J. Rubin (Eds.), A Guide for the Teaching of Second Language Listening, pp: 132-151. San Diego, CA: Dominie
- Morley, J. (1999). Current perspectives on improving aural comprehension. ESL Magazine, 2(1), 16-19.
- Noro, T. (2006). Developing a construct model of “listening stress”: A qualitative study of the affective domain of the listening process. Annual Review of English Language Education in Japan, 17, 61-70.
- O’Malley, J.M. and Chamot, A.U., (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. London: Cambridge University Press.
- O’Malley, J.M., Chamot, A.U. and Küpper, L., (1989). Listening comprehension strategies in second language acquisition. Applied Linguistics, 10 (4), 418-437.
- O’Malley, J.M., Chamot, A.U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Küpper, L. & Russo, R.P., (1985). Learning strategies used by beginning and intermediate ESL students. Language learning, 35 (1), 21-46.
- Oxford, R.. (1993). Research Updates on Teaching L2 Listening. System, 21(2): 205-211.
- Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Boston: Heinle and Heinle.
- Oxford, R. L. (1989). Use of language learning strategies: a synthesis of studies with implications for strategy training. System, 17 (2), 235–247.
- Oxford, R. L., & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university students. The Modern Language Journal, 73 (3), 291–300.
- Oxford, R.L. and Nam, C., (1998). Learning styles and strategies of a partially bilingual student diagnosed as learning disabled: A case study. In: Reid, J.M., ed. Understanding learning styles in the second language classroom. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc, 53-61.
- Purdy, M. (1997). What is listening? In M. Purdy, & D. Borisoff (Eds.), Listening in everyday life: A personal and professional approach (2nd ed., pp. 1-20). Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
- Rahimi, M., Riazi, A. and Saif, S. (2008). An investigation into the factors affecting the use of language learning strategies by Persian EFL learners.
- Richards, J. C. (2005). Second thoughts on teaching listening. RELC Journal, 36, 85-92. doi: 1177/0033688205053484
- Richards, J. C. (2008). Teaching Listening and Speaking: From Theory to Practice. New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Rubin, J. (1994). A review of second language listening comprehension research. The Modern Language Journal, 78: 199-221.
- Rubin, J., (1981). Study of cognitive processes in second language learning. Applied linguistics, 11(2), 117-131.
- Rost, M. (2002). Teaching and Researching Listening. London, UK: Longman.
- Schmidt, R., & Frota, S. (1986). Developing basic conversational ability in a second language: A case study of an adult learner of Portuguese. In R. Day (Ed),
- Talking to learn: Conversational in second language acquisition. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
- Shabani, M. B. and Sarem, S. N. (2007). The Study of Learning Strategies Used by Male/Female Monolingual and Bilingual Speakers as EFL Learners.
- Shafiee, D. (2012). An investigation of the effect of transcribing listening on Iranian EFL learners’ listening skill. International Journal of Applied Linguistic and English
- Swain, M. (1995). Three functions of output in second language learning. In G. Cook & B. Seidlhofer (Eds.), Principle and practice in applied linguistics (pp. 125-144). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Stahr, L. S. (2009). Vocabulary knowledge and advanced listening comprehension in English as a foreign language. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 31,
- 577-607. doi: 10.1017/S0272263109990039
- Teng, H. (1997). An investigation of EFL listening strategies by Taiwanese college students. Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on English Teaching (PP. 509-520). Taipei, Taiwan: The Crane Publishing Co., Ltd.
- Tsai, C. (2001). An investigation into English as a foreign language listening anxiety among Taiwanese senior high school students. International Journal of Learning & Development, 3(4), 108-113.
- Underwood, M. (1989). Teaching listening. New York: Longman.
- Vogely, A. J. (1998). Listening comprehension anxiety: Students’ reported sources and solutions. Foreign Language Annals, 31, 67-80.
- Vandergrift, L., & Tafaghodtari, M. (2010). Teaching L2 Learners How to Listen Does Make a Difference: An Empirical Study. Language Learning, 60, 470-467.
- Vandergrift, L. (1999). Facilitating second language listening comprehension: Acquiring successful strategies. ELT Journal, 53(3), 168-176.
- Vandergrift, L. (2003). Orchestrating strategy use: Towards a model of the skilled L2 listener. Language Learning, 53, 461-494.
- Vandergrift, L. (2004). Listening to learn or learning to listen? Annual Review of Applied linguistics, 24, 3-25.
- Vandergrift, L. (1997). The strategies of second language (French) listeners: A descriptive study. Foreign Language Annals, 30, 387-409.
- Vandergrift, L., Goh, C., Mareschal, C., & Tafaghodtari, M. (2006). The Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire: Development and validation. Language Learning, 56, 431-462.
- Vandergrift, L. (2007). Recent developments in second and foreign language listening comprehension research. Language Teaching, 40, 191-210. doi:
- 1017/S0261444807004338
- VanPatten, B. (1990). Attending to form and content in the input: An experiment in Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 12, 287-301. doi:
- 1017/S0272263100009177
- VanPatten, B. (1994). Evaluating the role of consciousness in second language acquisition: Terms, linguistic features and research methodology. AILA Review, 11, 27-36.
- VanPatten, B. (1996). Input processing and grammar instruction in second language acquisition. Norwood, NJ: Albex.
- Willing, K., (1988). Learning styles in adult migrant education. Sydney: Macquarie University.
- Wintergerst, A.C., DeCapua, A. and Verna, M.A., (2003). Conceptualizing learning style modalities for ESL/EFL students. System, 31 (1), 85-106.