Improving listening comprehension through a systematic approach: the case of students from Consejo de Becas y de Investigaciones Científicas de la Universidad de El Salvador
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Date
2008-01-01
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Abstract
Given the worldwide adoption of English as a foreign language, it is important to look for new and effective teaching methodologies that guarantee that students learn this language as a whole, overcoming some aspects that prevent them from mastering it more effectively. One of the aspects, the listening comprehension, which is the central point of this research, deserves special attention. Educational institutions such as universities, public and private schools of El Salvador have been teaching English for so long. Unfortunately, instruction in effective listening strategies is often not part of these institutions. It is frequently assumed that since the students have many opportunities to hear spoken English, through audiotapes, videotapes, cable television, and interactive computer software, this exposure will improve their ability to comprehend oral English, and therefore, the language programs focus more on grammar, speaking and writing. However, for many students, this is not the case. Even though they listen to music programs or any other type of videos, they do not succeed in understanding what they hear. Even when listening is the focus of lessons in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom, it often consists of testing student’s ability to listen to oral information and answer comprehension questions, without providing any specific instruction in the skills and strategies necessary to accomplish this task (Field, 1998) They need to be taught listening strategies that might help them to have better performance when they try to understand something. For its nature and importance, English is becoming a more and more required tool in many areas. Every day, schools need more English teachers; some enterprises need personnel in their call centers with good mastering of English. Some institutions, organizations and enterprises need good interpreters and the need of translators is increasing as well.
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Métodos de enseñanza