The effectiveness of learnenglish podcasts app on listening comprehension for students at go vap high school

Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how the effectiveness of “LearnEnglish podcasts” app on listening comprehension for students at Go Vap high school and their attitudes tow

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Many English students find listening comprehension challenging because it requires processing complex auditory information without visual aids, which can lead to difficulties and disadvantages in developing this skill, according to Kim.

In 2013, it was highlighted that students need to simultaneously acquire and manage both subject knowledge (data) and linguistic skills (language) during listening activities According to Namaziandost, Ahmadi, and colleagues, the limitations in students' listening skills can hinder effective language comprehension and performance Developing comprehensive listening skills is essential for mastering both content understanding and language proficiency, emphasizing the importance of integrated teaching approaches to overcome these challenges.

Keshmirshekan (2019) are due to the students' restricted vocabulary, duration of the talk, inability to interpret the speaker's tone, and the speaker's discourse tempo Goh

(2000) stated in his article that pupils struggle to retain what they hear quickly, can't perceive the meanings of words, and have difficulty comprehending the figurative meaning of words

Listening is a vital skill when studying conversational English, as it helps learners develop their ability to perceive and understand the language (Rost & Candlin, 2014) Many students struggle with listening and tend to focus on grammar, vocabulary, or reading, which can lead to a decline in their listening proficiency and hinder effective communication Regular practice in listening and reading enables learners to memorize and internalize common sentences and vocabulary, allowing their brains to imitate and accurately use correct grammar and word choices By frequently engaging with spoken and written English, students adapt new words and structures into their speaking and writing, while also developing language intuition—helping them distinguish correct from incorrect language use Although language learning through listening and reading may seem slower than grammar-focused study, it significantly enhances overall language proficiency by fostering natural comprehension and usage skills.

Listening is a crucial component of everyday communication, occupying over half of an adult’s communication time and surpassing speaking, reading, and writing in importance Despite its significance, many students and teachers underestimate the value of effective listening skills, which can hinder language learning progress Students often find listening to be the most challenging aspect of developing communicative English, highlighting the need for improved listening strategies According to Caplan & Stevens, enhancing listening comprehension is essential for achieving fluency and effective communication in English learning.

In 2017, over 40 second-year students studying pedagogic English reported that 95% found listening skills to be challenging or very difficult Listening is a vital skill that significantly influences English pronunciation and overall communication effectiveness.

Learning English through traditional literature can be frustrating for students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted educational systems worldwide In response, educational leaders and teachers have adapted their teaching methods to meet the new realities, incorporating digital tools to support effective learning The rise of English learning software and mobile listening practice apps offers students a safe, engaging, and cost-effective way to improve their language skills from home This shift towards digital solutions has fostered a global movement to enhance language acquisition through innovative, accessible educational technologies.

English hearing comprehension practice is a daily program designed to help students improve their ability to listen, read, and translate English in a simple and effective way Using mobile apps makes learning engaging and convenient, allowing learners of all ages to practice listening through games, podcasts, videos, and quizzes anytime, anywhere Many free English listening practice apps are available for both Android and iOS, enabling students to practice online or download content to their phones for on-the-go learning These apps provide an exciting and accessible way to enhance English listening skills both in and outside the classroom.

The British Council's "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app is a comprehensive English practice platform suitable for learners of all levels, from beginner to advanced With a wide range of podcast series available, it offers valuable resources to improve listening skills and expand vocabulary Designed to support learners in their language journey, the app provides engaging content that enhances English proficiency across different skill levels.

Discover the LearnEnglish Podcasts app, featuring episodes that range from four to ten installments focused on everyday life topics Each audio episode is complemented by engaging exercises, allowing learners to practice skills and assess their understanding effectively This app is a valuable resource for improving English language proficiency through practical listening and interactive activities.

Statement of the problem

Information technology has significantly transformed social life in the twenty-first century, especially through Industry 4.0, which has positively impacted various fields worldwide In education, technology has revolutionized teaching and learning, notably in foreign language acquisition, with numerous innovative applications proving highly beneficial for students Some high schools in Vietnam actively promote the integration of information technology into foreign language education, emphasizing its meaning and relevance Advances in science and technology empower teachers to perform their professional duties more effectively by incorporating real-life scenarios into lessons, facilitating better communication of knowledge, and organizing collaborative learning activities.

Recognizing the value of technology in teaching and learning, the Ministry of Education and Training permits students to use mobile phones at school with permission from their teachers This demonstrates that the move to integrate technology into the classroom is a new trend that cannot be halted Furthermore, assisting students in gaining access to and familiarizing themselves with these learning aids is a manner of assisting them in preparing their language for integration into modern teaching methods, where the shadow of IT has crept into their work and lives

The adoption of technology for teaching listening skills has significantly increased globally, with mobile devices now serving as valuable supplements to traditional education Smartphones enable students to quickly and easily access learning resources, marking a shift from conventional teaching methods toward innovative, technology-based approaches E-learning tools, powered by Industry 4.0 software applications, offer practical benefits for students, teachers, and schools alike To address the limitations of traditional teaching, integrating innovative methods that promote active and creative student engagement is essential.

Many students find listening to English one of the most challenging skills to master, yet understanding its importance is crucial for language development Listening is a key receptive skill that EFL students must develop, making listening comprehension an essential component of foreign language learning Recent trends show that mobile applications offer a convenient way to provide rapid feedback and assessment, helping students track their language progress (Chen, Hsu & Doong, 2016) The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app can improve listening skills by expanding vocabulary and helping learners understand different accents and speech rates This study aims to utilize the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" mobile app to enhance students' listening comprehension skills effectively.

Advancements in technology, such as Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) and language learning apps, have made language classes more accessible worldwide Numerous apps designed for learning foreign languages have emerged, enhancing the effectiveness of language acquisition for learners Globally, English learners actively utilize various language learning applications, with podcasts being particularly popular App developers continue to innovate, offering effective tools to support meaningful language learning and improve listening comprehension skills among learners.

Podcasts are a popular kind of media among English learners around the world these days It can provide numerous benefits to learners and a wide range of information The hundreds of apps built for a range of reasons, including educational goals, have exploded in response to the exponential and progressive development in smartphone usage Due to a large number of available apps, choosing just one to use as a learning tool, especially one that is effective for boosting English listening skills, may be tough Knowing the general and specific benefits and drawbacks of available language learning apps may aid learners in selecting the most appropriate app Following that, I will discuss the efficiency and efficacy of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in acquiring listening skills in this study

The British Council introduced the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app which is used by learners all around the world It can help learners enhance their listening skills by expanding their vocabulary and assisting them in understanding the speaker's accent and rate

In Vietnam, most high schools, including Go Vap High School, primarily focus on teaching English listening skills through traditional textbooks Students rarely utilize language learning software or digital applications to enhance their English proficiency Consequently, there is limited research on the effectiveness and impact of these educational technologies on students' language development, highlighting a gap in integrating modern tools into the learning process.

For the statements above, the purpose of this study, titled "The effectiveness of

This study investigates the impact of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app on students' listening comprehension skills at Go Vap High School The research highlights how using the app can effectively enhance students' ability to understand spoken English By incorporating "LearnEnglish Podcasts" into their learning routines, students at Go Vap High School show significant improvements in their listening abilities The findings suggest that the app is a valuable tool for supporting English language learners in developing their listening comprehension Overall, the study emphasizes the positive role of digital language resources like "LearnEnglish Podcasts" in promoting language proficiency among high school students.

Significances of the study

The findings highlight the effectiveness of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in enhancing learners' listening comprehension skills This study provides valuable insights for students and educators to choose and implement effective listening strategies using mobile applications Overall, the app serves as a useful tool for improving English listening skills through accessible and engaging digital learning platforms.

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app offers a versatile platform for enhancing listening skills through independent learning It provides learners with various options to select and utilize podcasts tailored to their language development needs Students can evaluate the effectiveness of the app in improving their listening comprehension and apply these methods to transform their self-directed learning experiences Overall, "LearnEnglish Podcasts" serves as an effective tool for learners aiming to strengthen their English listening abilities and achieve greater language proficiency.

The aim and objective of the study

The present research was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on improving students’ listening comprehension at

Based on the aim of the study, the research objectives were deployed as below:

- To explore the effectiveness of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on improving students’ listening comprehension skills at Go Vap high school;

- To find out the students’ attitudes towards using "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in learning listening comprehension.

Research Questions

Based on the aim and objectives of the study, the research questions are:

1 To what extent does “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app impact students’ listening comprehension at Go Vap high school?

2 What are the students’ attitudes towards using “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in learning listening comprehension at Go Vap high school?

Definitions of key terms

According to Nikolov & Timpe-Laughlin (2016), listening and comprehension are two distinct processes Listening is a one-way process where listeners receive information, while comprehension is a two-way interaction that involves understanding and interpreting the listening text Listening comprehension refers to the interactive process where the listener actively engages with the heard material to gain a general understanding.

Mobile application, commonly referred to as a mobile app, is software developed to run on mobile devices These apps are created using various programming languages and are compatible with multiple platform ecosystems Primarily designed for mobile devices, mobile apps have become essential tools for both users and businesses, offering diverse functionalities and enhancing user engagement (Stoyanov et al., 2015).

LITERATURE REVIEW

Listening skills

According to Rubin and Thomson (1994), listening abilities are classified into two categories based on the listening process Reciprocal listening involves active participation, where listeners engage in interaction by asking speakers to clarify, repeat, or slow down, alternating between listening and speaking Non-reciprocal listening is a passive process, occurring during monologues or speeches, where listeners focus on understanding the overall meaning and apply their existing knowledge schemas These categories highlight the different cognitive approaches involved in effective listening comprehension.

Successful listeners, according to Nunan (1991), are those who can combine

Understanding listening comprehension involves two key processes: "within the head knowledge," which refers to implicit, non-verbalized understanding, and "outside the head knowledge," which pertains to conscious interpretation of auditory input Anderson and Lynch (1988) differentiate these processes, describing the listener's bottom-up approach as akin to a tape recorder and contrasting it with the top-down process, known as modeling or model building Both types of knowledge are essential for effective listening, as emphasized by Rubin (1994), who highlights the interplay of these up-and-down processes in language comprehension.

Top-down processes like contemplating thoughts, guessing words, and identifying subjects play a crucial role in language learning Learning a language involves a multi-stage process where each stage's output serves as the input for the next, emphasizing the interconnected nature of language acquisition Buck (2001) referred to this sequential process as "one-way listening," highlighting the importance of structured, step-by-step learning in mastering a new language.

The importance of listening skills

Listening is the most fundamental skill in language acquisition, serving as crucial input for effective learning According to Rost (1994), listening plays a vital role in the classroom, acting as the primary means for language learners to absorb new information Nation and Jonathan (2009) emphasize that listening is one of the most critical skills for mastering the English language, while Harmer (2007) highlights its importance in facilitating successful communication Renukadevi (2014) states that although speaking, writing, and reading are essential skills for building language competency, listening is the most vital Poor listening skills hinder recognition of ideas and impede effective communication, especially in real-world situations like meetings with foreign partners Improving listening skills directly enhances overall language proficiency and ensures clearer understanding and expression.

Robert (1981), a businessman, motivational speaker, and author of "Listening Made

Effective listening skills are essential for achieving top sales rankings, as recognized by those who made it to the top 10 Good listeners not only enhance their understanding but also build stronger relationships with coworkers, managers, and customers both within and outside the organization Developing strong listening abilities is a key factor in professional success and organizational growth.

Mobile learning

Mobile learning, known as M-Learning, or mobile education, is a novel type of education that uses mobile devices as a medium for teaching and learning

Mobile learning apps offer diverse channels and modalities for adult learners to practice language skills effectively, as highlighted by Chen (2016) This innovative technology not only simplifies distance education but also enhances time management by enabling students to study at their convenience, according to Chee et al (2017).

M-Learning is a pedagogical education strategy that involves using mobile devices to educate and learn It is not, however, as effective as learning it visually What happens here is as simple as switching learning methods; in reality, many students use a remote server to obtain information and communicate responses Handheld devices are utilized in the classroom as a learning aid, similar to whiteboards and chalk Flexibility and the context in which it is used are the most important factors here Even if the learner attends the course with his own mobile device, an online training course that needs to be attended from 3-5 pm without being active in time is not M-Learning M-Learning enables the creation of an educational environment

Commented [A1]: Shorten the first two sections of chapter

2 free of physical constraints and learning time constraints M-Learning has very little research to support its goals, despite its huge potential to enhance traditional teaching techniques

Living in the digital age offers numerous advantages for language learners, making it easier to enhance English skills effortlessly Today, instead of carrying heavy textbooks and memorizing grammar lessons, learners can simply access resources like podcasts with a click of a button Using digital tools such as podcasts provides a convenient and effective way to improve English comprehension and pronunciation on the go Embracing these modern methods revolutionizes language learning by offering flexible, accessible, and engaging options for learners worldwide.

English is to listen to one of the five most popular podcasts nowadays Take, for example, “LearnEnglish podcasts” app, a fantastic British Council podcast

Lessons focus on diverse discussion themes and real-life scenarios, enhancing practical language skills The “LearnEnglish podcasts” app offers abundant free resources, including downloadable transcripts and short quizzes, to reinforce learning This method is highly effective for reviewing vocabulary and tracking progress, ultimately improving listening comprehension and ensuring rapid language development.

The concept of attitudes

In psychology, an attitude is a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors directed toward a specific object, person, or event, shaped by experience and upbringing Attitudes significantly influence behavior and are formed through learning, reflecting how individuals tend to judge things in a particular way Although attitudes are often stable, they can be changed over time Typically, attitudes involve positive or negative judgments about people, problems, or objects, but they can also be vague or ambivalent.

For example, you may have mixed feelings about a particular person or issue

Several factors influence attitude formation, including experiences, social influences, and learning processes Social roles and societal norms greatly shape individuals' attitudes, while observing others in their environment also plays a significant role in learning and developing attitudes.

The British Council's LearnEnglish Mobile Team created this app,

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app It has several series, ranging in length from four to ten episodes With more than 80 episodes of free listening, “LearnEnglish

The "Podcasts" app is a valuable tool for daily English language learning, offering a wide range of subjects to suit various interests The platform continuously updates its content, ensuring learners have access to fresh and relevant material For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, "Podcasts" introduced a new series titled "A Better World," providing timely and meaningful discussions to enhance language skills and awareness.

Discover a wide variety of weekly podcast uploads, ensuring learners always have fresh content to listen to These podcasts cover diverse topics, from effective language learning techniques to current world news, catering to all interests and preferences Stay engaged and informed with new episodes on your favorite subjects every week.

Each episode features a captivating audio script designed to help listeners focus and engage deeply with the content Listeners can participate in comprehension questions and assignments to enhance their understanding of conservation topics A key feature of this app is the engaging conversations with podcast hosts like Tess, Ravi, Adam, and Rob, who discuss relatable subjects such as favorite celebrities, weekend plans, dinner parties, and preferred places to live.

Learners listen, read, and double-check their understanding in each episode

Students can download episodes to their phones and listen offline, making it convenient for learning on the go Background playing feature allows learners to listen to audio even with the screen turned off, enabling multitasking and portable learning This app was selected for three key reasons: it covers a wide range of current topics with up-to-date materials and transcripts to improve listening comprehension, is created by the reputable British Council, ensuring its reliability, and offers offline accessibility for flexible learning anytime and anywhere.

Finally, this app is compatible with both Apple's iOS and Google's Android mobile operating systems

Main screen of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on a mobile phone Commented [A4]: e.g APA guidelines

The sample contents of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app

It is too simple and easy to intall and use this app It is suitable for both

To download the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app, open the App Store on iOS or the Play Store on Android Tap the Search icon and type "LearnEnglish Podcasts" to find the app On the app's page, you'll find information to help you decide whether to install it Once ready, click “Install” to download and begin improving your English skills.

To effectively use this language learning app, learners first select their desired series from the app's interface Each series includes numerous episodes, allowing learners to choose and download specific episodes for offline listening After downloading, learners can listen to the episodes at their convenience without an internet connection To reinforce their learning, users can access the Exercises section at the top of the app to complete various tasks related to the episode Additionally, learners can track their progress and view their scores by clicking on the Progress tab.

Benefits and drawbacks of using mobile applications in learning and teaching

As technology advances, there are advantages and downsides to adopting mobile applications in learning and teaching in general, and in learning and teaching listening skills in particular

Podcasts offer students the convenience of studying anytime and anywhere, whether they are waiting for a bus or on their lunch break, making learning flexible and accessible They enable learners to choose from a wide range of topics, fitting education into their busy schedules effortlessly Additionally, podcasts save both time and money, as many mobile apps are free, allowing students to enhance their knowledge conveniently on their smartphones.

EFL learners encounter several disadvantages when using mobile devices, including technical challenges, small screens, distractions, concerns over information accuracy, health issues, and boredom, as noted by Alrefaai (2019) For instance, far-sighted students may struggle to view the screen clearly while listening, hindering their learning experience Additionally, limited battery life on devices can disrupt learning sessions, especially when multiple dynamic programs are running, causing interruptions during focused study periods.

Related studies

2.7.1 Previous studies in the international context

The Role of a Mobile App for Listening Comprehension Training in Distance Learning to Sustain Student Motivation is the goal of Read & Kukulska-Hulme

Listening comprehension is essential for language learners, and integrating mobile apps can significantly enhance their practice and skills development In a study involving 90 college entrance students, all required to pass English for university admission, participants were randomly divided into two groups to evaluate a new teaching approach The research explored the effectiveness of the Audio News Trainer (ANT), a mobile application that utilizes news recordings to improve listening skills Findings suggest that using news-based apps like ANT can be a valuable tool for boosting listening comprehension outcomes among students.

A study by Al Qasim and Al Fadda (2013) investigated the effectiveness of podcasts on EFL higher education students' listening comprehension, using a semi-experimental post-trial control group design with 46 female undergraduate students at King Saud University The research found that the experimental group, which used podcasts, viewed them as beneficial due to their informative and relevant content, and reported emotional engagement influenced by social awareness Additionally, the study revealed that students felt positively about using podcasts to enhance listening skills, aligning with recent research indicating that podcasts can boost motivation among language learners.

Gangaiamaran & Pasupathi (2017) emphasize that Mobile Aided Language Learning (MALL) provides students with unrestricted access to language resources anytime and anywhere, utilizing devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers to facilitate learning They highlight that numerous apps for English as a second language are designed for high school students aged 12 to 17, with classification based on educational levels such as elementary, middle, and tertiary education The research indicates that mobile applications are particularly effective in improving listening skills compared to other language competencies, suggesting future focus on which age groups can better handle technological tools Shi (2016) examined the effectiveness of Android-based mobile English teaching software for college students, demonstrating that such tools can significantly enhance listening skills The study discusses the challenges of current university English listening courses and presents detailed design and implementation strategies for mobile software, concluding that mobile teaching applications are valuable in advancing language learning and offering recommendations for their optimal usage.

Hao et al (2019) evaluated a mobile application designed to help middle school students struggling with English vocabulary acquisition, utilizing a cognitive apprenticeship framework The study found that the app effectively supported English language learning on mobile devices, although students suggested improvements to make the interface more adaptable Data collected from grade 7 students through interviews, observations, surveys, and assessments indicated that advanced EFL programs are actively being used and that the app’s instructional design successfully delivers evidence-based learning materials Overall, the findings demonstrate that the mobile application is a valuable tool for enhancing English as a second language education among secondary school students.

Calvera and Fortuno (2018) investigated the effectiveness of using Voki, an online pronunciation tool, to improve English pronunciation among first-year university students enrolled in a Spoken English module The study involved 22 Spanish undergraduate students aged 18 to 27 and used questionnaires, coursework tasks, and Voki recordings to collect data through both qualitative and quantitative methods The results indicated that students' pronunciation significantly improved after using Voki, and they expressed positive attitudes toward this digital learning approach, highlighting its potential as an effective pronunciation teaching tool.

Previous international studies highlight the effectiveness of mobile applications in enhancing language skills However, most research focuses on university environments, specifically in reading, vocabulary, and listening skills In contrast, there is limited research on the use of these applications at the high school level, with existing studies primarily mentioning general applications without detailed evaluation.

2.7.2 Previous studies in the Vietnamese context

Ho (2019) investigates the effectiveness of Quizlet, a digital vocabulary learning software, compared to traditional paper flashcards for EFL learners in Vietnam The study aims to assess how technology-based tools like Quizlet enhance vocabulary acquisition among Vietnamese students learning English as a Foreign Language Findings suggest that digital platforms such as Quizlet can significantly improve vocabulary retention and engagement compared to conventional methods, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating technology into EFL instruction in Vietnam.

English language education has been a government priority in Vietnam, highlighting the importance of effective teaching strategies A study involving 39 grade 10 students from Hai Duong province utilized questionnaires and listening comprehension exams to gather quantitative data, revealing insights into student performance and engagement Findings suggest that slow development in English education may be addressed through explicit policies and targeted efforts Implementingthese policies could improve the use of digital media in teaching and learning, thereby enhancing students' language skills Consequently, it raises the question of whether increased reliance on digital media in EFL instruction is a reasonable and effective approach for future educational development.

The goal of Nhu (2017) is to investigate the usefulness of the “BBC 6 Minute

Mobile applications serve as effective online supplementary listening tools for language learners Thanks to the versatility of mobile devices, which can be used anytime and anywhere, mobile learning offers a convenient and flexible approach to language acquisition This study focused on sophomore students at the university, exploring how mobile apps enhance their listening skills and overall language proficiency.

Foreign Languages Studies (UFL) - University of Danang (UDN) in Vietnam

Students can now access information from the Internet using affordable mobile devices instead of costly laptops or PCs, enhancing learning opportunities However, preparing students to effectively use educational software remains a challenge; therefore, teachers should encourage and guide students to utilize these technological tools to maximize their learning potential.

This study examines the impact of using the software application on sophomores' listening comprehension skills Previous research indicates that teacher analysis and feedback during class enhance student learning, as students trust teachers' expertise and are more receptive to their suggestions Incorporating software tools allows teachers to provide targeted guidance, making their feedback more credible and persuasive Overall, the study highlights that integrating technology into classroom instruction can significantly improve listening comprehension outcomes among high school students.

This article explores the use of CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) options for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Vietnam, highlighting that many Vietnamese EFL teachers have minimal or no engagement with computers in their teaching practice The purpose of this Alternative Planning Document (APP) is to help Vietnamese ESL teachers select suitable CALL programs that are effective, user-friendly, and cost-efficient The recommended CALL options are chosen based on factors such as resource availability, teachers' and learners' computer literacy, and the Vietnamese educational context, ensuring practical applicability The selection is also informed by personal experience as a CALL learner and user, along with a month-long observation of CALL applications in a classroom setting at Minnesota State University, Mankato Additionally, the article discusses pedagogical principles essential for the optimal and effective integration of these CALL tools into language teaching.

Mobile applications are designed to enhance learners' language skills, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing through mobile technology Research indicates that developing listening skills through these apps is more effective than other language abilities However, in Vietnam, there has been no research on using mobile apps to improve high school students' listening comprehension, making this a vital and promising area for further study.

Mobile applications are designed to enhance learners' language skills by focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing through mobile technology Research has demonstrated that high-tech and mobile tools can significantly boost pronunciation, vocabulary retention, and overall language abilities Many studies affirm that mobile software can effectively improve listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills However, no research has been conducted in Vietnam on the use of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app to enhance listening comprehension among high school students Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app can help high school students improve their listening skills.

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY This chapter presents detailed descriptions of the research methodology There are eight parts in the chapter, namely research questions, research design, research site, sample and sampling procedure, research instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis procedures, and reliability and validity.

Research questions

The research collected and analyzed data to answer the following research questions:

1 To which extent does “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app impact the students’ listening comprehension at Go Vap high school?

2 What are the students’ attitudes towards the use of Learn English

Podcasts” app in listening comprehension skills?

Study design

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app on enhancing listening comprehension among Go Vap High School students The research also explored students' perceptions of using the app as a tool to improve their English listening skills Findings indicate that the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app significantly contributed to students' listening abilities and positively influenced their attitudes toward language learning through digital resources These results suggest that incorporating the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app can be an effective strategy for improving English listening comprehension in high school settings.

In addition, a mixed study design using qualitative and quantitative approaches will be employed to clarify students' perspectives toward using the "LearnEnglish

Podcasts" app to improve listening comprehension abilities in English (RQ2)

A quasi-experimental study resembles true experimental research but does not involve actual experimental procedures The research process includes five key phases: identifying the research problem, organizing the study, conducting the experiment, analyzing data, and writing the final report In qualitative research, some research questions and data collection methods are planned in advance but can be modified as new information emerges during the data collection process.

The purpose of these methods was to see how the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app affected students' listening comprehension at Go Vap high school and their views

This study examines the impact of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app on students' listening comprehension at Go Vap High School To assess this, pre- and post-test results were compared, highlighting the effectiveness of using this digital tool for language learning Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to gauge students’ attitudes towards incorporating the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app into their listening practice, providing insights into their perceptions and engagement with the learning process.

Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods enhances a study's breadth and depth by capturing both socio-cultural context and real-world settings This integrated approach results in more comprehensive data, leading to a better understanding of the problem and potential solutions In this study, the mixed-methods approach was utilized to analyze questionnaire data and clarify research question two, ensuring robust and insightful findings.

This study compared two intact classes, with one serving as the control group and the other as the experimental group The control class did not receive any intervention for 11 weeks, while the experimental class engaged in learning listening skills using the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app over the same period The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the app-based listening skills training in enhancing students' language proficiency.

Before the treatment, a pre-test was administered to assess students' initial listening comprehension levels After the intervention, a post-test was conducted using the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app to evaluate improvements in listening skills The study aimed to measure the effectiveness of the app in enhancing listening comprehension at Go Vap High School by comparing pre- and post-test results The findings provide insights into the extent to which the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app can improve students' listening abilities.

The illustration of pre-test and post-test was presented in the model below

How and why are the reseasrch methods mixed?

The illustration of pre-test and post-test

To understand students' attitudes towards using the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app for improving listening comprehension skills, an experimental class conducted a questionnaire The results revealed that most students found the app to be an effective tool for enhancing their listening skills, citing its accessibility and engaging content as key benefits Additionally, students reported increased motivation and confidence in their listening abilities after regular use of the app Overall, the survey indicated a positive reception towards integrating "LearnEnglish Podcasts" into language learning strategies, highlighting its potential to support students in developing better listening comprehension skills.

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in learning listening comprehension skills.

Research site

This study was conducted at Go Vap High School, located at 90A Nguyen Thai Son, Ward 3, Go Vap District, focusing on 90 students with similar English proficiency levels Teachers emphasized the four core English skills—Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening—primarily using textbooks and Smart Time books due to limited classroom time Students generally felt anxious about their listening abilities, resulting in poor listening comprehension skills The school's primary goal was to improve students' English listening and speaking skills to enhance overall language proficiency.

Sample and sampling procedures

Two 11th-grade classes, 11B1 and 11B6, each comprising 40 students aged 16, were selected for the study due to their comparable academic levels The experimental group (EG) consisted of one of these classes, which received the designated treatment as part of the research.

The study involved two groups: an experimental class with 40 students and a control group also comprising 40 students After the treatment period, the experimental group's students completed a questionnaire to express their opinions on using the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app to enhance their listening skills This research highlights the potential benefits of integrating mobile language learning tools like "LearnEnglish Podcasts" to improve students' English listening comprehension.

This study's participants were carefully selected from two intact classes based

Pre-test “LearnEnglish Post-test

All students from both the control and experimental classes were selected from placement test classes at the same English proficiency level to ensure comparability In the experimental group, only students who owned smartphones were included, enabling them to install the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app This setup aimed to assess the impact of using the Podcasts app on students' English learning outcomes.

There were 40 members in the experimental class (21 males and 19 females) and 40 members in the control class (18 males and 22 females) They were all approximately 16 years old

The demographic information of the participants is shown in the table below Table 3.1

Research instruments

This study utilized three tools to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, including pre- and post-tests and questionnaires The pre-test assessed students' listening comprehension before the treatment, while the post-test measured their skills after the intervention Specifically, the IELTS Preparation books provided the standardized tests, ensuring high reliability Additionally, a questionnaire captured students' perceptions of using the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app to improve their listening skills at Go Vap High School, offering valuable insights into its effectiveness.

At the beginning of the school year, the school organized a placement test to distribute students evenly in all classes Students' scores of classes were based on 3 subjects of math, literature, and English The goal of the placement test could help evaluate each student’s level of mastery Therefore, the difference in the English level of students in different classes was not much Based on the results of the school's replacement test, the author chose these two classes, 11B1 and 11B6 with the same English level

Before the introduction of the independent variable or therapy, the pre-test was used to measure the dependent variable (Gay, Mills & Airasian, 2009) Brown

According to (2004), a test is a measurement of a person's skill, knowledge, or performance in a specific subject In this study, a pre-test was employed to evaluate students' listening comprehension and exercise completion abilities prior to the treatment The pre-test, designed for both control and experimental classes, consisted of 20 multiple-choice and cloze text questions, which students completed within 20 minutes The questions were sourced from the IELTS textbook to ensure relevance and standardization.

Mini-tests were administered to the experimental group to ensure active engagement with the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app, which students installed to practice listening exercises at home These tests, derived from the tapescripts of app episodes, motivated students to use the application proactively outside the classroom By incorporating mini-tests based on authentic audio content, the study aimed to enhance students' listening comprehension skills through consistent, independent practice.

The post-test measured the dependent variables after introducing the independent variable, as outlined by Gay, Mills & Airasian (2009) In this study, the post-test aimed to determine whether using the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app could enhance students’ listening comprehension skills It was designed to be similar to the pre-test in format, task types, and quantity, consisting of 20 tasks to ensure consistency and accurate assessment of progress.

Commented [A10]: Added mini tests questions in form of multiple-choice and closed text questions The time to implement the test was within 20 minutes

A comprehensive questionnaire was employed to explore the second study topic, combining behavioral and attitudinal questions Behavioral questions aimed to identify respondents' current or past actions, providing insights into their actual behaviors In contrast, attitudinal questions focused on understanding participants' opinions, beliefs, interests, and values, shedding light on their perspectives and attitudes This dual approach enhances the depth of data collected, offering a holistic view of respondents' behaviors and attitudes.

A questionnaire was distributed to 40 students in the experimental class to gather insights on their attitudes toward the impact of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app on improving listening comprehension skills Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was administered electronically via Google Forms The questionnaire utilized a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), to obtain precise and quantifiable responses about students’ perceptions.

This study employed a questionnaire divided into two sections, adapted from the International Personality Item Pool, a comprehensive scientific collaboratory dedicated to developing advanced measures of personality traits and individual differences.

Differences and other previous studies The first part dealt with personal information Part two was the discussion, and it focused on the impact of the

"LearnEnglish Podcasts" app on learners' English listening comprehension skills

Part two of the study comprised 25 questions divided into three categories: students' attitudes toward the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app (10 items), their perceptions of the app's functions (6 items), and the perceived effects of using the app (9 items) The questionnaire was designed in two language versions—English and Vietnamese—to ensure accessibility for all participants The English version was administered to participants to gather their feedback on the app’s usability, features, and overall impact on their language learning experience.

Vietnamese version would be explained to them during the survey

Commented [A11]: Where is the questionnaire adapted?

3.5.6 Evaluation of the effect of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app was used outside of classroom settings as a supplementary tool to enhance students' listening skills Effective management of students’ app usage was essential, so teachers required students to take and submit weekly screenshots of their screens to demonstrate engagement and progress Each student was responsible for submitting at least six screenshots every Sunday, which the teacher reviewed regularly Additionally, students completed bi-weekly mini-tests, such as writing one or two words, based on the app's content and transcripts, to reinforce their listening comprehension skills.

The teacher assessed the software’s efficiency by analyzing students’ listening test scores, including mini-tests and post-tests These assessments demonstrated whether the application effectively enhanced students’ listening skills, providing measurable evidence of its impact on learner performance.

Pre-test and post-test assessments were carefully designed to ensure validity and reliability, serving as essential tools to measure student progress These tests were adapted from the authoritative “Preparation for IELTS” materials, ensuring alignment with standardized exam standards Prior to administration, the tests were thoroughly reviewed and checked to guarantee their effectiveness and accuracy for student evaluation.

At Go Vap High School, students engaged in listening tasks on the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app, which included true/false questions, gap-filling exercises, and multiple-choice questions The content of these listening tasks was appropriate for the students, helping them become familiar with various types of listening exercises This approach enhanced their listening skills and prepared them effectively for language learning assessments.

For control group: students learnt listening skills from textbook published The Ministry of Education and Training in class Moreover, they had to do the listening tasks in Smart Time Special Edition Grade 11 at home

For experimental class: students learnt listening skills from textbook published

The Ministry of Education and Training in class Additionally, “LearnEnglish

In this study, a “Podcasts” app was installed on students’ smartphones to facilitate listening comprehension practice outside of class With 40 students equipped with their own devices, all participants engaged fully and conveniently in the activity, enhancing their language learning experience through accessible mobile technology.

Students in both groups studied the same curriculum in the textbooks of the

Data collection procedures

This study involved Go Vap high school students in 11th grade from February

Between May 22, 2021, and May 8, 2021, two intact classes with similar English proficiency levels were selected based on a replacement test to participate in the study These classes were designated as the control class and the experimental class All students in the experimental class owned smartphones, enabling them to engage with the study's digital components A pre-test using an independent sample t-test was administered to both classes to establish baseline listening comprehension levels before the intervention The control class was taught using traditional listening comprehension methods, while the experimental class was instructed with an innovative approach involving downloading specific learning materials on their smartphones, facilitating a comparison of traditional versus technology-assisted teaching effectiveness.

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app by the British Council is recommended for students to enhance their listening comprehension outside the classroom Teachers suggest that students download this app on their smartphones to practice English skills conveniently Students can easily find and install the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" from the App Store or Google Play by searching for the app name, facilitating accessible language learning.

Podcasts" before clicking "install." Every two weeks, they were given a small test based on the themes they were listening to on the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app The students from two classes would be examined in week 11 by taking the post- test The pre-test and post-test findings would then be collected and analyzed using proper statistical procedures

3.6.2 The process of doing the treatment:

 In the first week, both two classes took the pre-test The test lasted 20 minutes

 From week two to week ten, the experiment was conducted, during which the experimental class was treated through “LearnEnglish podcast” app; whilst the control class was not treated through the app Every two weeks, there was a mini test whose contents were based on the topics they listen to on

During Week 11, two classes completed the post-test within a 20-minute timeframe Following the test, the experimental class was administered a questionnaire The results from the post-test and the questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26 to ensure accurate statistical evaluation.

The Procedure of the treatment

Pre-test on listening comprehension

“Learn English podcasts” app: series

* Post- test on listening comprehension

* Questionnaire on the students’ attitudes

In the process of the treatment, the research had some difficulties in completing the survey Due to the unexpected outbreak of Covid-19 at the beginning of May, students dropped out of school As a result, students completed the pre-test and post-tests at school, but data were collected online It meant that the questionnaire was sent to students via Google Forms

During the study, the researcher distributed questionnaires to 40 students in the experimental class Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 11th-grade students were unable to attend school at the beginning of May, which impacted the participation in the survey.

In 2021, the researcher distributed a questionnaire to students via Google Forms at "https://docs.google.com/forms/" Students took approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey, then submitted their responses by clicking the submit button to ensure their results were recorded.

“Submit” The resulting rate was 100% The students were allowed to raise questions about the questionnaire items if they did not understand These items would be translated into Vietnamese so that students would be able to better answer them.

Data analysis

Data analysis involves discovering, interpreting, and communicating meaningful insights from data, playing a crucial role in understanding complex information It is especially valuable in fields where large volumes of data are collected, utilizing statistical methods, programming techniques, and activity research to evaluate performance effectively According to Ramsey & Schafer (2013), data analysis enables organizations to derive actionable models that inform decision-making and optimize outcomes.

After collecting survey data, the researcher meticulously verified and synthesized the information to ensure accuracy The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26, employing both statistical methods and synthesis techniques to measure research outcomes All questionnaires were carefully validated to maintain data integrity The final results, along with classified raw data, were documented comprehensively in the research report and appendix, ensuring transparency and reliability in the study findings.

The study involved two groups: a control class with 40 students from the first class and an experimental class of 40 students from the second class Both groups completed a pre-test prior to using the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app After two sessions of different treatments, a post-test was administered to evaluate the impact of the app on students’ listening comprehension Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results, demonstrating the effectiveness of the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in enhancing learners’ listening skills before and after the intervention.

An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores and standard deviations between two classes, providing insights into group differences Additionally, the researcher analyzed the effectiveness of the treatment by comparing the pre- and post-treatment mean scores within each class using the independent samples t-test in SPSS The results highlight significant differences between the classes and demonstrate changes within each group before and after the intervention.

The difference in mean between two classes on the same topics was tested using the independent t-test

Excellent Good Average Poor Very poor

This study collected and summarized students’ responses to assess their attitudes towards the use of the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in enhancing listening comprehension among Go Vap High School students The analysis aimed to provide a clear understanding of how the app supports listening skill development, with detailed summaries reflecting the students’ experiences Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26, involving data cleaning, coding, and descriptive statistical techniques, including crossover statistics and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability, to ensure accurate and reliable results aligned with the research questions.

The meaning of the mean scores for the students’ perceptions towards using

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in improving the students’ listening comprehension skills was interpreted as follows:

Reliability and validity

The degree of consistency or dependability of an instrument, including stability, internal consistency, and equivalent, was referred to as reliability

A pilot study was conducted with English teachers and participants to ensure the validity and reliability of the pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire, as it helps clarify instructions, establish acceptable levels of independent variables, and verify the consistency of the researcher's observational methods (Neuman, 2012; Bordens).

Following the pilot study, the research team made necessary adjustments to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the tests and questionnaires The supervisor and experienced colleagues meticulously reviewed and refined the assessment tools, ensuring they accurately reflected students' listening and language levels One key modification involved replacing overly difficult or unrelated vocabulary in the hearing transcripts with sentences appropriate for students' proficiency levels, facilitating better comprehension during pre-tests and post-tests Additionally, the questionnaire was expanded with more items to better meet research objectives, and specific content was adjusted to align with each section of the questionnaire, enhancing the overall validity of the study.

Cronbach's Alpha reliability index was generated in SPSS to examine the reliability of the pre-test and post-test as well as the questionnaire items in terms of dependability The questionnaire was considered reliable by Johnson and

Christensen (2012) if the coefficient was 0.70 or above As a result, all entries having a coefficient of less than 0.70 were removed Finally, the students, teachers would verify all of the contents, information gathered from literature to assure their reliability

Reliability in internal consistency is assessed through correlation analysis of question groups measuring the same concept within a questionnaire (Creswell, 2012) Statistical tools like SPSS and Cronbach’s Alpha are commonly used to evaluate response consistency To ensure high reliability, a questionnaire must feature clear, unambiguous questions and standardized test administration procedures, enhancing the accuracy and dependability of the results.

In this study, to achieve reliability, all the items and construct in the questionnaire was run by Cronbach’s Alphapiloted to ensure the clarity of the questions It proved that all the questions were clear and got precise responses In sum, Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated to estimate internal consistency of the questionnaire The ideal Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of a scale should be higher than 0.7 Commented [A13]: Why is SPSS/Cronbach’s Alpha used?

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of the study

4.1.1 The effects of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on the students' listening comprehension at Go Vap high school

Research question 1 attempted to examine the effects “LearnEnglish

Podcasts” app on Go Vap high school students’ listening comprehension The following sections present the results related to this issue

4.1.1.1 The pre-test results: The purpose of the pre-test was to assess the participants' listening comprehension abilities before the application of the

"LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in the study In other words, before using the software

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app enhances listening skills through targeted practice In a recent study, both control and experimental classes completed a listening comprehension test to assess their English listening abilities The test comprised 20 questions divided into multiple-choice and cloze text sections, sourced from the IELTS Preparation textbook, with each question valued at 0.5 points, totaling 10.0 points This evaluation aimed to measure the effectiveness of the app in improving listening comprehension among learners.

Descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test were conducted to compare the pre-test mean scores of the control and experimental classes The purpose of these analyses was to assess the initial homogeneity of pronunciation abilities between the two groups, ensuring they were comparable before implementing the pronunciation training intervention This statistical approach helps establish a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in learning listening comprehension The results of the test were presented in table 4.1 below:

Descriptive statistics of the mean scores of the control class and the experimental class in the pre-test

Std Error Mean Pre_test Control Class 40 5.388 1.2273 1941

Pre-treatment results showed that the control class had a higher mean listening comprehension score (M = 5.388, St.D = 1.2273) compared to the experimental class (M = 5.263, St.D = 1.1151) This indicates that, prior to using the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app, students in the control group demonstrated slightly better listening skills than those in the experimental group.

Comparative results of the mean scores of the control class and the experimental class in the pre-test

Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means

Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Pre_test Equal variances assumed

In Table 4.2, the mean difference of the pre-test was low (MD=0.125), indicating that both the control and experimental groups had similar initial levels of listening comprehension This suggests that the groups were comparable at the start of the study, providing a reliable basis for assessing the intervention's effectiveness.

Independent Sample t-test signified that Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances was non-significant The Sig (2 tailed) value of 0.635 was much higher than 0.05 It meant that the homogeneity of the control class and the experimental class in listening comprehension before the treatment was confirmed In other words, before the treatment through “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app, the levels of listening comprehension of the control class and the experimental class were the same 4.1.1.2 The post-test results: In the post-test, the ability of the participants on listening skills after the treatment through “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app was measured This post-test had the same format as the pre-test and the test was exported from the textbook Preparation for IELTS The results of the control class and experimental class’s test in the post-test were presented as below:

Descriptive statistics of the mean scores of the control class and the experimental class in the post-test

Std Error Mean Post_test Control Class 40 6.363 1.5021 2375

The experimental class demonstrated a significantly higher mean score (M=8.038) on the listening test after using the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app, compared to the control class's mean score (M=6.363) The mean difference between the two groups was 1.675, indicating the effectiveness of the app An independent samples t-test confirmed that this difference was statistically significant, supporting the positive impact of the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on students' listening comprehension.

Comparative results of the mean scores of the control class and the experimental class in the post-test

Levene's Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means

Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Post_ test

The results in Table 4.4 indicate that Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances is statistically significant, with a Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.000 This suggests that after the treatment, there was a significant difference in listening comprehension ability between the experimental and control groups Specifically, the experimental class demonstrated a higher level of listening comprehension compared to the control class.

In conclusion, , the Sig (2-tailed) value as 0.000 indicated that there was a significant difference of the participant in the control class before and after the treatment Moreover, the Sig (2-tailed) value as 0.000 indicated that there was a significant difference of the participants in the experimental class before and after the treatment

Nevertheless, when considering the values of the mean difference between the control class and the experimental class, it can be clearly observed that the mean score of the experimental class was much greater than that of the control class after the treatment In other words, the mean score of the experimental class was significantly developed after the treatment

The participants’ mean scores in listening comprehension

Figure 4.1 illustrates the performance of two classes in listening comprehension during the pre-test and post-test, highlighting notable progress in the experimental class Although both classes started with similar scores in the pre-test, the control class showed only a slight increase in the post-test, while the experimental class demonstrated a significantly higher post-test score This indicates that utilizing the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app effectively enhances students’ listening skills, leading to substantial improvements in listening comprehension.

4.1.1.3 Comparison between the control class’ pretest and posttest scores

Week Comparison of means of pretest and posttest

Paired Samples Statistics of the pre-test and post-test scores of the control class Paired Samples Statistics

Paired Samples T-test of the pre-test and post-test scores of the control class Paired Samples Test

Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Pair

A paired-samples t-test revealed that the regular teaching method significantly improved students' listening comprehension scores in the control class Specifically, scores increased from a pretest mean of 5.388 (SD = 1.2273) to a posttest mean of 6.363 (SD = 1.5021), with t(39) = -9.789 and p = 000, indicating a statistically significant growth This suggests that the traditional teaching approach effectively enhances listening comprehension skills among students in the control group.

4.1.1.4 Comparison between the experimental class’ pretest and posttest scores

Paired Samples Statistics of the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental class

Paired Samples T-test of the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental class

95% Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper Pair

Another paired-sample t-test was carried out to access the effect of

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on listening comprehension scores of the experimental class As can be seen from Table 4.7 and Table 4.8, there was a statistically significant increase in listening comprehension scores from the pretest (M = 5.263) to the posttest (M = 8.038), t (39) = -13.812, p = 000 (two-tailed) The mean increase in listening comprehension scores was 2.7750 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -3.1814 to -2.3686 This indicated a very large effect size In short, it could be concluded that there was a very large effect, with a substantial difference in the listening comprehension scores obtained by the students in the experimental class before and after the use of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app In other words, the students in the experimental class showed the significant improvement in their listening comprehension after the application of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app Commented [A14]: Add Paired Samples t- Test

4.1.1.5 Comparison between the scores of mini tests

Comparison of the scores of the mini tests

The Figure 4.2 shows that the average scores of the mini tests increased steadily from mini test 1 to mini test 3 with average scores of 5.90, 6.71 and 7.65, respectively

This proved that students had effectively used the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app at home, which made their listening comprehension be significantly improved

4.1.2 The learners' attitudes towards the use of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in learning listening skills

Research question 2 attempted to explore the high school students’ attitudes towards the effects of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app on improving their listening comprehension ability To answer the second question in this study, a questionnaire was sent to participants in the experimental class after the treatment for the responses The questionnaire's content must be related to the research's goal and appropriate for the participants in this study After collecting the data, the

Descriptive Statistics was run to analyze the results of the participants in the experimental class responding to the questionnaire of each part Each part’s results were described through mean score (M) and standard deviation (St.D) in one table

The mean scores for analyzing the quantitative data were in the following

Mini test 1 Mini test 2 Mini test 3

Comparison of the scores of the mini tests

Commented [A15]: Added the scores of min tests scales:

Mean scores for analyzing the quantitative data

Strongly disagreed Disagreed Neutral (Neither agreed nor disagreed) Agreed

Using Cronbach's alpha, the data from the questionnaire must be examined using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 26.0 Cronbach's alpha was used to confirm that the question items were reliable In other words, Cronbach’s alpha ensured that a group of question items was tightly connected The reliability of all items in the questionnaire as mentioned below:

As seen in table 4.10, Cronbach’s Alpha of items in the questionnaire was 0.886, which was greater than 0.70 This indicated that reliability was high Table 4.11

Reliability of the questionnaire and constructs

 Students’ attitudes towards the functions of “LearnEnglish podcasts” app

 Students’ attitudes towards the effect of “LearnEnglish podcasts” app

Discussion

The study demonstrated that the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app effectively enhanced students’ listening comprehension Experimental class students showed significant improvement, with their mean scores increasing from 5.263 in the pre-test to 8.038 in the post-test, highlighting the app’s positive impact on language learning Meanwhile, the control group’s mean score rose from 5.388 to 6.363 after treatment, indicating some progress but less substantial than the experimental group These findings suggest that integrating “LearnEnglish Podcasts” into language education can significantly boost listening skills, making it a valuable tool for learners aiming to improve their English listening comprehension.

Podcasts” app to improve their listening skills by listening to podcasts

This study confirms that learning English through podcasts enhances learners' English knowledge and listening skills, aligning with Hasan and Hoon's 2013 findings Podcasts serve as an effective tool for improving English listening comprehension, leading many students to incorporate them into their language learning routines Using podcasts for English learning offers a convenient and engaging way to boost listening skills and overall language proficiency.

Podcasts significantly enhance students' listening comprehension in EFL teaching and learning Their effectiveness relies on the teacher’s skill in selecting appropriate content and utilizing the technology effectively to meet learners’ objectives Overall, podcasts are valuable tools for both teaching and learning, helping students improve listening skills and expand vocabulary The research confirms that integrating podcasts into EFL classrooms is a reliable and suitable strategy for fostering listening development and language acquisition among learners.

Incorporating podcasts into EFL teaching offers valuable benefits, with students responding positively by appreciating their use in class and engaging with them outside of lessons Students demonstrate enthusiasm through regular downloading and listening for practice and entertainment, highlighting podcasts as an effective motivation tool However, successful implementation depends on factors such as appropriate time allocation, access to electronic resources, and the technological proficiency of teachers Multiple studies (Heilesen, 2010; Fernandez et al., 2009; Evans, 2008; Kavaliuskine & Anusiene, 2009) confirm that podcasts enhance student motivation by covering diverse topics and promoting active learning in language education.

The use of podcasts in ELT classrooms significantly boosts student motivation to learn English Podcasts offer engaging activities that encourage enthusiastic participation and quicken learning progress Through creative exercises and assignments, students enhance their listening skills while staying motivated The high levels of enthusiasm observed during the treatment period highlight the effectiveness of podcasts in fostering a positive and motivated learning environment.

Research by Morri (2010) demonstrates that podcasts enhance students' listening comprehension by encouraging them to use their imagination to create mental images of spoken content Incorporating podcasts into English classes helps students improve both their listening skills and overall language proficiency Additionally, previous studies (Istanto & Indrianti, 2011; Abdous et al., 2009) confirm that podcasts serve effectively as primary or supplementary learning resources in language education.

Students have expressed great appreciation for the podcast's content, highlighting its significance, portability, and engaging nature Through podcast exercises and tasks, students are exposed to new language skills and content knowledge, which has led to improvements in listening comprehension and vocabulary (Putman & Kingsley, 2009) Interactive activities such as sharing, conversation, acting, and group tests make learning enjoyable and help students explore diverse podcast topics, thereby enhancing their vocabulary as they engage with different aspects of the material (Chan, Chi, Chin, & Lin, 2011) These outcomes support the idea that language skills—including listening, vocabulary, and speaking—can be effectively developed through multimedia resources Students also find podcast activities entertaining and relevant to real-life situations, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills The accessibility and portability of podcasts encourage students to complete listening tasks both inside and outside the classroom, with direct downloads to smartphones enabling anytime, anywhere learning Overall, podcasts provide a convenient, user-friendly tool for enhancing language learning, surpassing traditional media like tape recorders or videocassettes in accessibility and effectiveness.

Downloading content (audio podcasts) from some websites is simple and can be utilized in the classroom or for activities Students were asked to write the difficult vocabulary they heard on the audio, find the meaning, and then correct the meaning and spelling after receiving the audio script Students believe that using podcasts both inside and outside the classroom to practice listening during class activities and in their spare time is effective due to its portability and ease Podcasts in audio format are simple to utilize The program can now be downloaded onto students' smartphones, allowing them to access it at any time, according to the pupils When used in EFL instruction, podcasts provide students and teachers with more thorough access and incorporation of material than audio recorders or video PCs The accessibility and simplicity of podcasts may be seen differently by professors and students in this study Downloading resources (audio podcasts) from a number of websites and using them in the classroom, as well as conducting exercises, is simple

Furthermore, podcasts are also effective in terms of time and duration, according to students Audio-visual content is offered for 3 to 5 minutes throughout the treatment, and kids like listening to any topic during this period Constantine

Research from 2007 indicates that students benefit significantly from 3-5 minute daily podcasts, which enhance their listening comprehension skills Podcasts also foster creativity, expand vocabulary, and facilitate the mastery of new skills that are often challenging to acquire in traditional classroom environments (Lee, 2009) Incorporating short podcasts into learning routines can effectively support student engagement and language development.

This concluding chapter summarizes the entire research process and highlights key findings derived from analyzing pre-test and post-test data, as well as questionnaire responses related to research objectives and questions The study identifies practical implications for utilizing listening applications effectively to enhance English listening comprehension Additionally, the researcher discusses the limitations of the current study and provides recommendations for future research to further explore this area.

5.1 Summary of the main findings

This study involved 80 eleventh-grade students from two classes at Go Vap High School to evaluate the effectiveness of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in enhancing English listening comprehension The research also examined students' attitudes toward using the app as a learning tool Findings indicate that the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app significantly improves students’ listening skills and boosts their motivation to engage with English language learning These results suggest that integrating the app into the curriculum can be an effective strategy for enhancing English listening comprehension among high school students.

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in improving their English listening comprehension Quasi- experimental research was conducted The analysis of quantitative and qualitative data collected from the pre-test and post-test, the questionnaire respectively have produced such meaningful findings:

1) The pre-test and post-test before and after the treatment through

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app proved the improvement of listening comprehension

The results demonstrated a notable improvement in mean scores for both the control and experimental classes from pre-test to post-test Specifically, students who used the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app showed significant progress after the treatment, indicating the effectiveness of the app in enhancing language learning outcomes.

2) Students expressed a positive perception of “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in improving English listening comprehension, in terms of students’ attitudes towards “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app; students’ attitudes towards the functions of

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app; and students’ attitudes towards the effect of

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app is an effective tool for improving listening skills, as evidenced by students' positive feedback Most participants reported a decrease in their agreement levels with certain statements, indicating increased engagement and confidence Students expressed strong interest and motivation to enhance their listening abilities through the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app Overall, the app has proven to be a valuable resource for learners seeking to develop their English listening skills.

Implications

This study offers valuable insights for researchers, teachers, and students interested in language learning It contributes to the growth of language research papers and highlights the limited existing research on the “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in Vietnam Notably, there is a gap in studies focusing on its use within specific schools or colleges, making this research particularly significant for future educational applications.

The study titled “Effectiveness of ‘LearnEnglish Podcasts’ App on Listening Comprehension for Students at Go Vap High School” is a valuable research project in Vietnam, aiming to provide empirical insights into how listening learning applications are utilized to enhance listening skills Understanding teachers' opinions and attitudes is crucial, as they significantly influence the effectiveness of such applications This research highlights the benefits that both teachers and students gain from using the app, particularly at the high school level, making it a meaningful contribution to language learning strategies.

"LearnEnglish Podcasts" app is at enhancing students' listening skills Students who have a positive opinion of the importance and impacts of the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app in learning English listening skills will be more engaged and interested in learning, which will help them improve their English and social skills

On the other hand, if they are hesitant to utilize the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app, the results may fall short of expectations As a result, English teachers must understand students' perceptions in order to develop appropriate approaches to their students and ensure that the "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app is useful in boosting English listening abilities

The findings of the study proved the effectiveness of “LearnEnglish podcast” app on learning listening skills So, the teachers can encourage their students in other classes to use this app to improve their listening comprehension It is also a good teaching method and material for the teachers to use in teaching listening skills to their students

Finally, the outcomes of the study may assist students to realize how the

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app helps users enhance their English listening comprehension and social skills By encouraging greater focus on audio content, the app supports improved language understanding Students can practice their listening skills daily with this app, leading to significant improvements in their overall English proficiency.

Limitations and suggestions for further studies

This study has several limitations, including being conducted in only one high school in Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which limits the generalizability of the findings The small sample size, involving just two high school classes, further restricts the applicability of results, highlighting the need for future research with larger, more diverse samples Additionally, the 11-week duration and limited number of mini-tests may not have been sufficient to assess long-term retention of target terms; therefore, longer-term studies are recommended to better evaluate sustained listening comprehension.

In conclusion, the current research investigates the effectiveness of

The "LearnEnglish Podcasts" app enhances listening comprehension for students at Go Vap High School Research indicates that mobile applications like "LearnEnglish Podcasts" are more effective in improving listening skills compared to traditional learning methods Implementing such language learning apps addresses the main challenges faced by students in developing strong listening abilities, making language acquisition more engaging and accessible through technology.

"LearnEnglish Podcasts" is a highly valuable app for both learners and teachers aiming to enhance their English language skills This app plays a crucial role in improving English listening comprehension by providing authentic, engaging audio content suitable for various proficiency levels By incorporating "LearnEnglish Podcasts" into language learning routines, users can develop better understanding and retention of spoken English, making it an essential tool in modern English education Its accessibility and diverse range of topics make it an effective resource for teaching and learning English listening skills worldwide.

It is suggested that students use listening learning apps such as "LearnEnglish

Podcasts are a valuable tool for enhancing English language proficiency, especially in improving listening skills among students They serve as an effective learning and teaching resource, making them a popular choice for language learners For further exploration, research should focus on topics like the impact of English listening learning apps on high school students' listening abilities Additionally, investigating how listening learning apps contribute to achieving better listening skill outcomes can provide deeper insights Future studies could also compare the effectiveness of different learning methods to identify the most efficient approaches for developing listening comprehension.

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APPENDIX B: Pre-test / Post-test/ Mini test PRE-TEST

You are going to hear a conversation between a hotel receptionist and a customer who has come to make a booking

An example has been done for you

Write NO MORE THREE WORDS AND OR/NUMBERS for each answer

(0) Carlton Hotel Length of stay: 3 nights

Rooms available: Two en-suites at £270

Write NO MORE THREE WORDS AND OR/ A NUMBER for each answer Transport Options

Transport Cost Arrangements Travel time to town

(7) £ Pick up from the hotel 10 minutes

Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C for each answer

12 The number of permanent staff is

13 Most volunteers join the program

A in Winter B in July C when it is best for them

14 Time Abroad receives all its income from

A partner organisations B volunteers C the government

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer

Significantly improve the(16) of many children and adults

- Joining the vet on home visits

- Amazing insights into the country

- See a lot of fascinating animals

((20) of the difficulties in the country

4 15 (th) October / 15th of October

You will hear a tourist talking to a London Tour Company in order to organise a tour of the popular sights of London

For each Answer write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND / OR A NUMBER

They will be coming to London on (1)

He's going with his sister and his (2)

The cost is (3) £ for adults and(4) £ for children

Tours start at 7am and finish at (5)

6-8 Which three places does the tourist decide he's likely to see?

Buckingham Palace B Big Ben C Harrods

D Houses of Parliament E Hyde Park F St Paul's Cathedral

Choose the correct letter A, B or C

9 How will the tourist buy the tickets?

A By phone B Online C On the bus

10 How long before he leaves should he buy his tickets?

You will hear Dan Saunders, a wildlife expert, giving a talk about Pandas Questions 11-12

Choose the correct letter A, B or C

11 Each day, pandas need to eat:

Very little nutrition B 12-38 kg of bamboo C 330 pounds of bamboo

12 If pandas are cared for away from the wild, they can live for approximately:

Select two things that are endangering pandas:

D Other wildlife E Building of roads and railroads Questions 15-16

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND / OR A NUMBER

15 What proportion of the panda population in China is protected by reserves?

16 What did the WWF create which encouraged people to support pandas?

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer

Reasons that pandas may not be worth saving:

They are extremely (17) to look after

They have a diet that is not (18)

They get sick easily and are hard to breed

Reasons that pandas should not be allowed to die out:

They are in danger because (19) are damaging the forests

We should protect their homes because other animals live there

The number of pandas in the wild is (20) so they will not become extinct

6 B (Q6-8 can be in any order)

16 (a/an) logo / an exellent logo

Listen to the whole podcast then read the questions and choose ALL the correct answers

1 What do you know about Ravi?

A His new flat is very cheap B He's moving to the new flat on Saturday

C He's got a new flat D He's going to make a dinner for Tess on Saturday

2 What do Megan and Ravi say about David Attenborough?

A He's made a lot of programmes about nature and wildlife

C He's over eighty years old

D He's made a lot of TV advertisements

3 How many correct answers do Army and Brandon get in the quiz?

4 What does Bill Steadman say about Christmas in Prague?

A They keep the fish in the bath at home B People eat fish at Christmas

C They buy the fish from supermarkets D The children give the fish a name

5 Which of these programmes do people say are the best thing on TV?

A sport B reality TV C films D documentaries

A a special drink B a drink for everyone at the table

7 What does Carolina have to drink? Choose the correct answer

8 Why is the man trying to remember the word 'rose'?

A He wants to give his wife a rose on a Valentine's Day

B Roses are his favourite flowers

C Rose is his wife's name

D Rose is the name of a good Indian restaurant

GO VAP HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS FOR THE CONTROL CLASS TEACHER INFORMATION:

Name: Ms Duong Ho My Ngan

Email Address: ngandhm.178t@ou.edu.vn

Beginning Date of Session: February 22 nd , 2021

Ending Date of Session: May 6 th , 2021

Books: Textbook published The Ministry of Education and Training (in class)

Smart Time Special Edition Grade 11

Students must complete the exercises in the textbook in class while completing the homework assignments and submitting them on time

Regular and punctual class attendance and engagement is expected at Go Vap high school

Week Topic Assignment Due date

 Pre-test on listening comprehension

 Deciding on True or False statement

 Extensive listening: multiple- choice questions

HEALTHY BODY Talk (True/False statements)

 Extensive listening: multiple- choice questions

 Deciding on True or False statement

 Deciding on True or False statement

*Post- test on listening comprehension

GO VAP HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL CLASS

Name: Ms Duong Ho My Ngan

Email Address: ngandhm.178t@ou.edu.vn

Beginning Date of Session: February 22 nd , 2021

Ending Date of Session: May 6 th , 2021

Title: textbook published The Ministry of Education and Training (in class) App: “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app installed in their smartphones (outside class) COURSE POLICIES:

Students must complete the exercises in the textbook in class while completing the homework assignments and submitting them on time

Regular and punctual class attendance and engagement is expected at Go Vap high school

Attendance in a distance learning course It means that students must actively practise listening comprehension via “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app

Week Topic Assignment Due date

 Pre-test on listening comprehension

 Deciding on True or False statement

 Extensive listening: multiple- choice questions

 Extensive listening: multiple- choice questions

 Deciding on True or False statement

“Learn English podcasts” app: series 4

“Learn English podcasts” app: series 4

 Deciding on True or False statement

*Post- test on listening comprehension

1 Reliability Statistics of 10 items in the questionnare:

Students’ attitudes towards “Learning English podcasts” app

2 Reliability Statistics of 6 items in the questionnare:

Students’ attitudes towards the functions of “Learning English podcasts” app

3 Reliability Statistics of 9 items in the questionnare:

Students’ attitudes towards the effect of “Learning English podcasts” app

Scale Mean if Item Deleted

Scale Variance if Item Deleted

Cronbach's Alpha if Item Deleted

Podcasts” app in listening learning

Podcasts” app is a good mobile application

5 I feel a sense of satisfaction about this

6 It is easy and simple to use

Podcasts” app in learning listening skills

Podcasts” app proficiently in a short time

8 It did not take me much time to know how to use the technique

9 It is very simple for me to download and set up “LearnEnglish

10 I can learn listening skills everywhere with a smartphone connected

11 I clearly understand about functions of the

Podcasts” app includes different topics

13 The organization of each lesson is easy to follow

14 I can choose the topic I want to listen to

Podcasts” app is suitatble for different listeners with different English levels

Podcasts” app is neither short nor long

Podcasts” app helps me to be familiar with native voices

18 I can improve their social knowledge when using the

“Learning English podcasts” app as the most effective app

Podcasts” app helps my listening comprehension improve day by day

Podcasts” app motivates me to learn

Podcasts” app is good to be used outside the classroom

Podcasts” app was standard Therefore, my listening comprehension was better

Podcasts” app allows me to meet my learning goals

Podcasts” app helps me understand extended speech about familiar topics

Report: Mean and Std Deviation of each question in the questionnaire

1 I enjoy using “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app 4.08 40 917

2 I prefer using “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app 3.57 40 1.196

“LearnEnglish Podcasts” app in listening learning

4 According to me, “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app is a good mobile application

5 I feel a sense of satisfaction about this

6 It is easy and simple to use “LearnEnglish

Podcasts” app in learning listening skills

7 My classmates can practice “LearnEnglish

Podcasts” app proficiently in a short time

8 It did not take me much time to know how to use the technique

9 It is very simple for me to download and set up “LearnEnglish Podcasts” app

10 I can learn listening skills everywhere with a smartphone connected

11 I clearly understand about functions of the