For our students to become proficient listeners, they need to be exposed to tremendous listening input and they need training (especially at the lower levels of proficiency) on how to develop effective listening strategies. Be sure to:
- Allocate ample time for listening activities the same way you do for speaking or grammar practice.
- Engage the students in discussions of the strategies they use and allow them to learn from each other.
- Make listening a "regular" part of homework.
Focusing on listening is one of the best investments you can make as language teacher, as it will help your students develop more confidence in their language ability. Listening is a challenging skill, yet, with constant practice, support, and encouragement, your students will develop both strategies and confidence.
Instructor's Final Comments
“I hope that the lessons and video samples included in this listening module have conveyed to you the importance of listening as a language skill that needs to be emphasized at all levels of instruction. I also hope that you will be able to apply the principles outlined in this module and develop them further through experimentation and discussion with colleagues.
I do realize that finding suitable listening materials and developing activities based on them is not an easy task and requires much time, energy, and creativity. I myself have spent the past eight years working on the Aswaat Arabiyya site and still feel that there is so much work to be done. The reward that I get when I see my students interacting with a text and enjoying the discoveries they make with each listen is what keeps me going. I encourage you to think collectively with your colleagues and program administrators to explore how you can utilize technology to provide your students with more opportunities to make listening an integral part of their overall learning of the language. So let's keep on listening and learning. Good luck!
”