INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Language serves as a vital communication tool between people worldwide English has increasingly become a global language, essential not only as an academic subject in Asian countries but also as a necessary skill for everyone Finding effective methods to learn English remains a significant challenge, prompting researchers to explore various innovative approaches As societal development and information technology advance, adopting new and creative strategies for English learning is crucial to meet modern educational needs.
It seems to be that learning online can bring many benefits for our English learning
The introduction of computers and the internet has significantly transformed our lives, bringing benefits across various sectors such as economy, politics, culture, health, and education Computers-assisted online learning has become an essential part of mainstream education, especially enhancing language acquisition In particular, English learning has seen notable improvements due to the integration of digital technologies and internet resources, making language education more accessible and effective.
Learning English online offers numerous benefits driven by technological advancements, innovative teaching methods, and pedagogical benefits The internet provides rich opportunities for self-directed English learning, making it more accessible and flexible for students Research by Kung and Chou (2002) shows that students generally have positive attitudes towards learning English via websites, highlighting its effectiveness Additionally, online platforms enable personalized instruction and incorporate multimedia elements, which enhance engagement and improve language acquisition Embracing online English learning is supported by its technological, pedagogical, and motivational advantages.
According to Tronenko (2002), online language materials significantly enhance the accessibility of information and facilitate diverse ways for learners to connect with their target speech community (Warschauer, 1996) Unlike traditional textbooks, internet-based language resources can be updated regularly, ensuring learners have access to the most current language content.
Recent literature emphasizes that English learners should actively participate in the learning process rather than passively receiving information, fostering exploration, creation, and self-assessment of linguistic skills (Brown, 2001; Su & Kinshuk, 2002) Key aspects include promoting learner autonomy and motivation through online language teaching materials tailored to individual backgrounds, needs, and learning styles (Soboleva & Tronenko, 2002) This approach aligns with modern pedagogical principles that prioritize learner-centered education in the digital age.
Given the rapid technological advancements and innovative pedagogical approaches, online learning is an highly effective method to enhance your English skills The internet provides access to diverse learning opportunities for presenting, practicing, and improving English, along with extensive socio-cultural knowledge that traditional teaching media like textbooks and audio cassettes often lack Embracing online education allows learners to experience immersive, flexible, and richer language acquisition outside the limitations of conventional resources.
To master English effectively, it is essential to improve all four fundamental skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing Among these, listening often presents the greatest challenge for students, as they frequently struggle to understand spoken English and identify key information Traditional listening methods, such as audio cassettes and CDs, can become monotonous and demotivating, making it difficult for learners to stay engaged This has motivated me to seek innovative learning strategies that inspire interest and foster enthusiasm for English listening practice Additionally, while the internet offers convenient access to resources for all language skills, limited time often restricts students from fully utilizing these online learning opportunities.
I only concentrate on listening skill
This study aims to explore how online listening resources can enhance English listening skills among students The goal is to foster positive attitudes towards listening to English and improve overall listening proficiency Focusing on English majors at Hai Phong Private University, the research seeks effective methods to boost students' confidence and proficiency in English listening through online platforms.
Aims of the study
The study is carried out to research:
The literature review of learning online, listening and listening online
This article explores the current state of English listening skills among English major students at HPU, highlighting their attitudes toward both traditional classroom listening and online listening practices It reveals that students generally recognize the importance of listening for language proficiency but face challenges in adapting to online listening environments To improve their online listening skills, students are encouraged to adopt effective strategies such as selecting authentic audio materials, practicing active listening, and setting personalized goals Implementing these self-study techniques can significantly enhance students' English listening comprehension and foster more independent learning.
Scope of the study
To master English effectively, it is essential to develop all four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing However, my primary focus is on enhancing online English listening skills, as I believe this area is crucial for language comprehension Additionally, with the goal of achieving excellent results in my graduation, I concentrate specifically on improving my listening abilities to meet academic standards.
-Finding out the reality of learning English listening skill of students in foreign language department at Hai Phong Private University
- Offering suggestions for English majors on learning English listening online.
Methods of the study
To establish a solid foundation, the review begins with reference books on listening skills and language learning methodologies, providing essential background on what listening entails It also explores key concepts of online learning and examines effective techniques that foster successful and engaging English listening experiences in digital environments.
Second, the survey questionnaire created for students in English major at HPU to find out information necessary for creating the type of online activities learners would find effective
Third, more information about students‟ attitude, recognition, and difficulties they meet will be gathered from interview with the surveyed students.
Design of the study
The study consists of three main parts: Introduction, Development, and Conclusion
Part I: Introduction shows the reasons, the aims, the scope, the methods as well as the design of the study
Part II: Development includes three chapters:
Chapter 1: Literature review aims to answer the questions related to listening, listening online that introduce the listening skill and its features
Chapter 2 : “ A study on how do students in English major at HPU learn listening skill” is referred to the analysis and findings information from survey questionnaires made to the first year students and interview for other students These help examine the real situation of learning listening skill as well as difficulties students meet and their expectations of using listening techniques to improve their English listening skill
Chapter 3 : “Ways to listen English online effectively” are suggested with the hope that students can try and have positive feelings to learning listening skill And then they could enhance self-study ability and improve their listening skill
Part III: Conclusion summarizes the discussed parts in the paper and some suggestions for further study
Part I introduces the study's background, setting the stage for the research on English listening skills among first-year students at HPU In Part II, the focus shifts to a comprehensive literature review on listening comprehension, highlighting key theories and previous findings to contextualize the study This section also presents survey questionnaires administered to first-year English majors at HPU, aiming to assess their current listening proficiency and challenges Additionally, Part II explores effective online resources and strategies for learning English listening skills, providing practical methods for students to enhance their listening abilities through self-study These insights contribute to understanding how to improve listening skills and support students' independent learning efforts.
Literature review
Listening skill: An overview
Since the early 1970s, researchers like Asher, Dostoevsky, Winitz, and Krashen highlighted the crucial role of listening in understanding and facilitating second language acquisition Listening has become recognized as a vital component in effective language learning, emphasizing its importance in the overall process of mastering a new language (Feyten, 1991).
Listening is a vital skill that students will be most assessed on in real-life situations, playing a crucial role in everyday interactions While the importance of listening is widely recognized, its interpretation varies from person to person According to Howatt and Dakin, understanding and developing effective listening skills is essential for successful communication in various contexts.
Listening, as defined since 1974, is the ability to identify and understand what others are saying It involves grasping the speaker's accent, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as comprehending the overall meaning An effective listener can perform these four tasks simultaneously, enhancing communication skills and overall understanding.
Besides, Thomlison‟s (1984) definition of listening includes “active listening” which goes beyond comprehending as understanding the message content, to comprehension as an act of empathetic understanding of the speaker
Gordon (1985) emphasizes that empathy is crucial to effective listening, extending beyond simple politeness to genuine understanding of a speaker’s perspectives He highlights that empathetic understanding fosters egocentric prosocial behavior, where the listener altruistically demonstrates concern for the speaker’s welfare and interests This deeper level of empathy enhances communication, promoting trust and mutual understanding.
According to Ronald and Roskelly (1985), listening is an active process that requires essential skills such as prediction, hypothesizing, checking, revising, and generalizing, similar to those used in reading and writing They emphasize the importance of engaging students in specific exercises that promote active listening and awareness of the “inner voice” experienced during writing Enhancing listening skills through these methods can improve overall language proficiency and support students' development as active, reflective learners.
Understanding the true meaning of listening is essential, as it plays a vital role in our daily communication and language learning According to various authors, listening is more than just hearing; it involves active engagement and comprehension Recognizing the importance of effective listening skills can significantly enhance our interactions and language proficiency, making it a crucial component of successful communication.
Language learning depends on listening since it provides the aural input that serves as the basic for language acquisition and enables learners to interact in spoken communication
Listening is the primary language skill children develop, forming the foundation for all language and cognitive growth while playing a lifelong role in effective communication According to Wilt (1950), individuals spend approximately 45% of their communication time listening, making it a crucial component of interaction; this insight remains widely cited in research (e.g., Martin, 1987; Strother, 1987) Wilt’s study revealed that only 30% of communication time is spent speaking, with 16% reading and 9% writing, confirming earlier findings by Rankin (1928) that people dedicate about 70% of their walking time to communication, predominantly engaging in listening and speaking.
According to Bulletin (1952), listening is the fundamental language skill
Effective listening is essential in today's age of mass communication, as it plays a vital role in education, shaping individuals' understanding of the world, human affairs, and personal values By developing strong listening skills, students can better acquire information, critique messages critically, and deepen their appreciation for diverse perspectives Teaching students to listen effectively is crucial for fostering informed, empowered individuals in a highly connected and information-rich society.
According to second language acquisition theory, language input is the most critical factor in learning a new language, with listening playing a vital role in student development Krashen (1985) emphasizes that language is acquired primarily through understanding spoken linguistic input Therefore, developing listening skills is essential for providing comprehensible input, which is key to successful language acquisition To enhance listening abilities, language teachers should incorporate authentic listening practice and model effective strategies, especially through communicative approaches that simulate real-life situations learners may face outside the classroom Establishing a “listening-first” approach in foreign language education is crucial for fostering effective language learning and communication skills.
Listening is the most important component of overall English competence, as emphasized by Wang Shouyuan (2003), making it essential for educators to focus on To enhance listening teaching outcomes, educators should actively explore the nature and process of listening comprehension and study effective theories and methodologies Recognizing that listening comprehension is a crucial aspect of English learning can significantly improve students' language skills and overall proficiency.
Constructivist linguistics emphasizes that foreign language teaching should focus on language form and structure, particularly in listening instruction Listening teaching progresses through four aspects of language form, beginning with discrimination of vowel and consonant pronunciation Students then develop understanding of vocabulary, sentence structures, and discourse The “bottom-up” listening model aims to enhance students' ability to recognize sounds, comprehend sentence meanings, and monitor discourse comprehension, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of the target language.
Since the 1970s, the development of functional language theory has emphasized the importance of language function in society Functional linguists view language as a practical communication tool rather than an isolated structural system Therefore, teaching listening skills goes beyond merely recognizing sounds, words, or sentences; the primary goal is to develop students' ability to accurately interpret speakers' intentions and communicate effectively.
4 The process of listening comprehension
With a greater understanding of language quality and the development of learning theory, there has been recognition of the process of listening comprehension as needing greater emphasis
Listening is an essential yet invisible mental process that involves discriminating sounds, understanding vocabulary and grammatical structures, interpreting stress and intonation, and grasping the speaker's intention According to Wipf (1984), effective listening also requires retaining and interpreting information within both immediate and broader socio-cultural contexts.
Listening is a complex, active process that involves receiving, interpreting, and responding to what the speaker says According to 2002, it encompasses a receptive orientation—understanding the spoken words; a constructive orientation—building meaning from the information; a collaborative orientation—negotiating understanding with the speaker; and a transformative orientation—creating meaning through involvement, imagination, and empathy Effective listening requires listeners to match new input with their existing knowledge, making it a dynamic and interpretative skill essential for communication.
Language learning depends on listening Listening provides the aural input that serves as the basis for language acquisition and enables learners to interact in spoken communication
Listening strategies are techniques or activities that contribute directly to the comprehension and recall of listening input
Top-down strategies are listener-centered, relying on the listener’s background knowledge of the topic, context, and language to facilitate understanding These strategies activate expectations that help interpret spoken information and anticipate upcoming content, making comprehension more efficient By leveraging prior knowledge, listeners can better grasp the overall message and enhance their engagement with the material.
Listening for the main idea
Learning online
Online learning- Watson and Kalmon (2005) defined online learning as
“education in which instruction and content are delivered primarily via the Internet Online learning is a form of distance learning” (p.121)
Butz (2004) defines online learning as a form of distance education where students access materials and interact with teachers and peers primarily through the Internet, facilitating flexible and accessible educational experiences.
Online learning, or e-learning, is an educational experience delivered via computer and the Internet, utilizing electronic forums, discussion groups, quizzes, social rooms, and online assignments It fosters interactive learning through pair work, small group activities, and project-based tasks, all guided by professional online tutors to enhance student engagement and understanding.
2 Why do we learn English online?
Learning languages online has become a prominent trend in global education, with over a million students enrolled in online schools and universities in the US alone, experiencing a 30% annual growth rate This increasing popularity highlights the need to pay greater attention to online language learning methods Why should you consider learning English online? The numerous benefits of online language learning, such as flexibility, accessibility, and personalized instruction, make it an effective choice for learners worldwide.
Studying from home offers a comfortable learning environment that enhances productivity, as familiarity and positive surroundings foster better focus Unlike sterile, windowless classrooms, a relaxed and personalized space promotes more effective learning Additionally, learning at home provides the flexibility to attend classes in comfortable clothing, such as pajamas, making the experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Live online language learning offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to choose class times that fit your schedule, whether early morning, during work hours, late at night, or even in the middle of the night for those with unconventional sleep patterns With trainers available across all time zones, there are no restrictions on when you can learn, and free online tools help ensure you arrive on time regardless of your trainer's location.
Accessing a wide range of language learning tools and opportunities online can be overwhelming without proper guidance Many top-ranking sites serve as directories or link collections for self-study activities, but choosing the right resources tailored to your level, learning style, and specific needs can be challenging Too many options may lead to demotivation, making the role of a live online trainer essential in helping you navigate and select the most effective resources for your language learning journey.
Personal contact with a language trainer or coach enhances your learning by helping you practice in diverse contexts, making language acquisition more effective While live online training cannot fully replace face-to-face communication, it offers a surprisingly close experience, bridging the gap in classroom language learning Personalized live online coaching provides accessible one-on-one or micro-group sessions for anyone with broadband Internet, ensuring customized support that maximizes language mastery.
Practicing language skills in simulated “real-life” situations within virtual worlds offers an excellent learning environment Virtual platforms like Second Life provide a level of realism and immersion that surpass traditional classroom role plays, enhancing language acquisition Although language teaching in virtual worlds is a relatively new and experimental field, it presents promising opportunities for immersive, authentic language practice.
Effective language learners are self-motivated and leverage their passions and interests to accelerate progress Taking control of your learning process allows you to select the most suitable methods and tailor your studies to your preferences Embracing online education provides flexibility, enabling learners to choose personalized learning approaches that enhance motivation and success.
3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning
Online education success stories are widely shared through various sources like news media, editorials, online school promotions, and student testimonials Previously, obtaining a college or advanced degree was a distant dream for full-time workers, family-oriented professionals, single mothers, and students in remote areas; now, it’s a practical reality Online learning is a popular alternative that offers numerous advantages, making higher education more accessible However, it is not suitable for everyone; prospective students should understand both the benefits and challenges of online education to determine if it aligns with their goals and learning style.
While online learning offers flexibility, it also requires strong computer and internet skills, which can be a challenge for some students Students lacking these skills may need additional time to master the necessary technology, often seeking support from technical staff or self-study Conversely, students with prior knowledge benefit from less preparation time and can focus more on their coursework Ultimately, engaging in online education enhances digital literacy and computer proficiency, valuable skills that boost employability in today’s job market.
Obviously, we can‟t deny that learning online brings many benefits for English learners And following part will show advantages which could be applicable for the first year students
Online learning enables students to pursue their education while maintaining their current jobs Many potential students hesitate to attend college or graduate school due to concerns about lost earnings and seniority However, with flexible online programs, they can earn their degrees without sacrificing their employment or income This convenient approach allows individuals to balance work and education effectively, making higher education more accessible and attainable.
Balancing family life and education can be challenging, often deterring potential students from pursuing campus-based degree programs due to concerns about disruption Online learning provides a flexible solution, allowing students to attend classes anytime, which helps accommodate family responsibilities Additionally, gaining spousal support is an important factor in successfully managing both educational pursuits and family commitments.
Online interactive classes quickly adopt new concepts and updates, providing a significant advantage over traditional methods that may take years to implement changes They enable rapid integration of new research and findings from around the world, keeping students at the forefront of their field Additionally, online courses foster increased student interaction, allowing learners to share views, ask questions, and network with peers globally beyond the classroom, which can be valuable for professional connections This digital exchange enhances students' comfort with communication, preparing them for collaborative work environments in the future.
Faculty members are often recognized as leading experts in their fields, providing unparalleled expertise Thanks to online learning, students worldwide can now access courses taught by these renowned researchers and industry professionals, regardless of their location This digital shift allows you to study with top experts from around the globe, offering opportunities that were once limited to attending prestigious international institutions.
Listening English online
1 Using English as a second language (ESL) websites
Many ESL websites offer free learning materials, lesson plans, games, and instructional resources, making quality education accessible to students worldwide These platforms enable global sharing between teachers and students, fostering a direct connection that supports personalized language learning Created by ESL educators, these websites also serve as professional development hubs, encouraging teacher contributions and collaborative discussions They provide valuable online services, allowing learners of all ages and interests to independently select resources tailored to their specific needs and access them at their own convenience and pace.
Jones (2000) in Moote (2002) examines the characteristics of some online learning materials for students and describes three models of online learning sites for students: distributive, tutorial and cooperative
In the distributive model, learners access materials or lesson sheets for independent study, engaging with reading or listening passages through exercises such as multiple-choice and gap-filling tasks Educational software provides immediate feedback on student responses, enhancing the learning experience.
The tutorial model is often found on free-for-service websites that offer two-way communicate between the teacher and the learner using email, chat, telephone or video conferencing
The cooperative model allows students in the course to communicate with each other as well as with the teacher
The internet has revolutionized language learning by offering a vast array of ESL resources accessible through dedicated websites These sites feature both general and specialized collections tailored to meet diverse student needs Educators can enhance student learning by carefully selecting engaging online activities and resources, ultimately fostering independent language acquisition By utilizing well-chosen web tools, teachers can provide a flexible, effective online learning experience that empowers students to continue improving their English skills at their own pace and convenience.
Learning listening is often regarded as one of the most challenging aspects of second language acquisition According to Buck (1999), learners encounter significant difficulties in responding to spoken language due to complex listening comprehension processes This area remains a key focus for educators seeking to improve language teaching methods and learner outcomes.
Speech is a set of acoustic signals and knowledge of the sound system of the language is needed to process the spoken text
Spoken language is different to written text It is constructed differently, is more disjunctive and has no “fluencies” like pauses, hesitations, self- corrections and repairs
Speech is fast and delivered in real time which means listeners need to process and respond quickly
Recent advancements in understanding spoken text features and listening strategies have enhanced learners' ability to comprehend and respond to spoken English across diverse situations Historically, Web technology limitations restricted ESL website developers from providing the extensive range of spoken texts and instructional activities necessary for effective listening skill development However, improved technology now enables more comprehensive and interactive listening resources for ESL learners.
Advances in web technology and personal computing have significantly expanded the availability of online resources for language learners, making multimedia content like video and audio files a standard feature on many ESL websites Commercial software packages now commonly include media players, and free downloads from the internet facilitate access to audio and video materials, enhancing language learning opportunities These multimedia resources provide ESL students with diverse listening experiences across various genres and topics, including academic, vocational, and everyday subjects like family, arts, sports, music, and shopping Such access allows students to improve their understanding of spoken English in authentic and engaging contexts, leveraging the vast array of online audio and video content for effective language development.
ESL websites provide beginner-friendly audio and video lessons that are shorter and delivered at a slower pace, often including transcripts to enhance learning Learners can read along while listening, replay the content as needed, and learn at their own speed For advanced learners, these sites offer authentic audio and video content from news interviews, reports, and discussions that showcase natural spoken language Many of these platforms also provide transcripts to further support comprehension and language development.
Learners benefit from personalized learning programs that address their specific listening comprehension needs by incorporating a variety of text styles and types These programs are designed to consider individual interests, preferences, and needs, enhancing engagement and effectiveness (Burns, 1997; Hoven, 1999).
3 Providing a Website list for listening activity
There are numerous online resources available to learners for practicing English listening skills, accessible anytime and anywhere Notable websites include ESL Lab (http://www.esl-lab.com/), developed by Randall Davis, which offers over 140 exercises across general, academic, video, and short listening activities, categorized by difficulty levels with quizzes and transcripts Another useful site is ESL About (http://esl.about.com/cs/listening/), featuring varied listening exercises from beginner to advanced, with links to native speaker and ESL sites, though it contains advertisements Petalia (http://www.petalia.org/hoctienganh/listen.htm) provides a wide range of listening activities including news, lectures, music, and movies, making it easy to access and listen CDL Online (http://www.cdlponline.org) offers free listening lessons related to news stories, with transcripts and exercises suitable for lower-level learners, requiring RealPlayer EnglishPage (http://www.englishpage.com/listening/) caters to advanced learners with resources like news, culture broadcasts, music, movies, and radio, optimized for high-speed internet Breaking News English (http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com) delivers news articles and commentaries suitable for immediate and advanced levels, while Elllo (http://www.elllo.org) provides a broad range of listening activities from beginning to advanced levels English Listening Lounge (http://www.englishlistening.com) features unscripted interviews, and ESL Gold (http://www.eslgold.com) offers vocabulary lists with audio aids for intermediate learners Additional sites include Eviews (http://www.eviews.net) with interviews, EZSlang (http://www.ezslang.com) focusing on idioms in daily conversations, Focus on English (http://www.focusenglish.com) for conversational practice, and Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab (http://www.esl-lab.com) catering to all levels News-based listening is supported by BBC Learning English (http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/) for British English and VOA (http://www.voanews.com/english/) or CNN (http://www.cnn.com/) for American English, suited for advanced learners Music and multimedia resources are available via Bus Songs (http://www.bussongs.com), and movie collections can be explored at the Video & Multimedia Area (http://lc.ust.hk/~sac/materials/english/video_ent.htm), providing a variety of audiovisual learning materials to enhance English listening comprehension.
Chapter 1 offers an overview of essential concepts related to listening skills, online learning, and English listening comprehension Moving into Chapter 2, the focus shifts to examining how English majors at HPU enhance their listening skills through survey questionnaires This investigation aims to provide insights into effective strategies and student experiences in learning English listening online.
A study on how English majors at HPU learn listening skill
Reality
A recent survey conducted at Hai Phong Private University provides valuable insights into the current educational environment The study focused on analyzing the characteristics of both lecturers and students, as well as the realities of teaching and learning practices These findings highlight key aspects of university life, emphasizing areas for potential improvement and development.
1 Current learning of listening skill in Hai Phong private university
Observations at HP Private University reveal that current English listening classes are ineffective, with boring atmospheres and unengaging methods Students struggle to grasp new vocabulary and information, paying only initial attention before losing interest due to fatigue or boredom Additionally, many students lack motivation for self-study outside the classroom, leading to inconsistent listening practice To improve English listening skills, it is crucial to introduce innovative activities that motivate students and create a more interactive and engaging learning environment.
Hai Phong Private University boasts a team of energetic, young English lecturers, all graduates of renowned universities with extensive teaching experience These passionate educators are committed to delivering professional and engaging lessons, consistently updating their resources and preparing thoroughly However, the reliance on traditional teaching materials such as radio and CD recordings, along with conventional methods focused on complex, model lessons, has resulted in students exhibiting less enthusiasm and positive attitudes toward learning English listening skills.
The Foreign Language Department at HP Private University, with nearly 300 students across nine classes, recognizes the importance of English language skills in students' lives While students are aware of the significance of learning English, they tend to focus more on written forms rather than developing their listening and speaking abilities Many students face difficulties understanding spoken conversations and often lose confidence in communication, partly due to high school learning methods First-year students, in particular, struggle to adapt to university-level learning, especially in listening classes where they do not grasp spoken content To address these challenges, it is essential to introduce engaging listening activities that motivate students, enhance their self-study capabilities, improve their English listening skills, and foster confidence and active participation.
Hai Phong Private University boasts modern facilities and ample learning spaces, including well-equipped classrooms with new blackboards, appropriately-sized furniture, and advanced teaching tools such as projectors and cameras that enhance learning activities The university features two large libraries—one in the university zone and another in the student hostel—offering a wide range of books, magazines, and newspapers, with free computers available for students to access information and conduct research Since 2009, the university has provided a reliable Wi-Fi internet system accessible via laptops, supporting self-study and digital access However, resources for learning English in classrooms are limited, relying mainly on audio materials like radios, cassettes, and records, with sound quality issues and a lack of individual headphones for students.
1 st year students, they only have four periods per week for listening subject These reasons why students have not been good at listening English yet
In short, with the modern equipments, well-trained and enthusiastic lecturer staff, Hai Phong private university still is a good environment for teaching and learning English.
Survey questionnaire
Fifteen survey questionnaires were completed by 28 first year students and some second year and third year students in English major at Hai Phong private university
2 Purpose of the survey questionnaires
A comprehensive survey was conducted at Hai Phong Private University to gain insights into the actual experiences of learning English listening skills The primary goal of the study is to collect and analyze data on students' recognition and utilization of listening practice The survey questionnaires are specifically designed to gather detailed information about students' listening habits, challenges, and proficiency levels This research aims to provide valuable data to improve English listening instruction and support effective language learning strategies.
To make out the attitude of students towards English learning in general and English listening skill in particular
To get more information about the real situation of leaning listening skill in class and out class in English major at Hai Phong private university
To get to know students‟ difficulties as well as expectations to find the activities that can attract them into listening English
Finally, thanks to these, I will suggest a way to listen with many activities that can attract students‟ interests and improve their listening skill
3 Design of the survey questionnaires
A survey was conducted with 28 first-year students and 5 second- and third-year English majors at HPU to explore their listening skills development both inside and outside the classroom The questionnaires consisted of 10 questions aimed at assessing students' perceptions and experiences related to learning listening skills Students selected the most suitable answers that best reflected their experiences, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of listening skill instruction at HPU.
Question 1, 2 and 3: studying on students‟ attitude toward learning English in general and listening skill in particular
Question 4, 5: studying on practicing listening skill of students
Question 6: difficulties students encounter when listening English
Question 7, 8 and 9: exploring students‟ opinion on listening online
Question 10: students‟ expectation to improve their listening skill
4.1 Students’ attitude toward learning English in general and listening skill in particular
4.1.1 Students’ interests in learning English skills.(question 1, appendix 1)
Chart 1: The most favorite skill to students’ view
The research aims to identify which English skills students prefer most, with the results indicating that speaking is the most favored skill at 50%, followed by reading at 25%, writing at 15%, and listening at only 10% Students tend to favor speaking because it is easier to practice and directly related to communication, whereas listening is more challenging due to its complexity and fast-paced native speakers Factors such as students’ lack of interest in teachers’ voices and the difficulty of understanding fast spoken English from media like CDs and cassettes contribute to this preference To bridge the gap, it is essential to develop strategies that increase students’ interest in listening skills, making them equally important for effective communication in English.
4.1.2 Students’ opinions toward the role of listening skill (Question 2, appendix 1)
Chart 2: Students’ opinion toward the role of listening skill
All students interviewed are English majors at Hai Phong Private University, giving them a clear understanding of the crucial role of listening skills According to Chart 2, 83% of students recognize listening skill as very important, while 14% consider it important, and no one views it as unimportant Only one respondent (3%) believes listening skills are not very important for their future career, as it may not involve communicating with foreigners These results clearly demonstrate that students highly value listening skills for their academic and professional development.
4.1.3 Students’ opinion toward English listening.( question 3, appendix 1, question 1, appendix 2)
Chart 3: Students’ opinion toward English listening
According to the survey, 57% of students find English listening to be very difficult, indicating that a majority struggle with this skill An additional 21% also perceive English listening as challenging, bringing the total to 78% of students who consider it difficult Conversely, only 12% of students view English listening as not difficult, while 10% have neutral opinions Notably, second and third-year students tend to share similar views regarding the difficulty of English listening, reflecting a widespread perception among learners.
First-year students report that, despite gaining more knowledge and experience each term, they face significant challenges in English listening, particularly during communication with foreigners, as they often miss important information from the speaker This difficulty contributes to a general perception that English listening is very hard, leading students to pay less attention to developing their listening skills.
4.2 Studying on practicing listening skill of students (question 4 and 5, appendix 1)
Table 1: Students’ practicing level about listening online
This survey provides valuable insights into students' practical listening skills, helping to reveal the true state of their abilities Analyzing the data clearly shows that the majority of students face challenges in developing their listening skills, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve their overall language proficiency.
A survey revealed that 23 students sometimes practice listening to English, while only 1 student never listens and 4 students practice frequently at home This indicates that most students do not prioritize improving their English listening skills, which is a key reason why many still struggle with understanding spoken English effectively Encouraging regular listening practice at home can significantly enhance students' language proficiency.
According to the data presented in Chart 4, 40% of students frequently listen to English for about one hour daily, highlighting the importance of consistent practice However, over-listening can lead to boredom and fatigue, making it difficult to grasp all listening lesson content Additionally, 25% of students listen for 30 minutes or irregularly, often depending on their mood; when they feel comfortable, they can listen longer, while some skip listening sessions entirely for a week Lastly, 10% of respondents reported listening to English for only 15 minutes each day, indicating varied listening habits among students.
Chart 4: The time students spend on practicing listening English a day
Many students tend to pay less attention to practicing their listening skills, which may be due to various factors such as ineffective learning methods and inadequate materials Nonetheless, developing self-awareness in their study habits is crucial for improvement Students who are more diligent and dedicated will see better results in enhancing their listening abilities.
4.3 Difficulties students encounter when listening in class( question 6, appendix 1)
I don‟t familiar to listen to the native voice 12
I am fed up with listening lessons 3
The lessons are difficult for me 2
The sound quality from radio is not good so I cannot concentrate
Table 2: Difficulties of students when listening in class
A survey of 28 NA 1301 students revealed several challenges faced during listening lessons The majority, 23 students, cited poor radio sound quality as a major obstacle to concentration during listening tests, indicating that technical issues with learning aids significantly impact listening comprehension Additionally, 12 students expressed unfamiliarity with native English speakers' voices, highlighting the difficulty in understanding different accents compared to their teachers or peers Many students face various difficulties, including rapid speech rates, limited vocabulary, and external noises that disrupt focus, with 15 students reporting these issues A few students admitted that their lack of motivation and laziness contribute to their poor listening skills Overall, the primary barriers to effective listening are related to audio quality, unfamiliar accents, and external distractions, rather than teaching methods or classroom environment.
Students commonly face numerous challenges during listening exercises, but these difficulties are typical among learners At HPU, students have access to essential learning tools such as radios, cassettes, and CD discs, along with instructors providing effective listening techniques in class To become proficient listeners, students should practice daily and seek out diverse listening resources to enhance their skills.
4.4 Exploring students’ opinion on listening online
4.4.1 Students’ utilization of listening online.(question 7, appendix 1, question 2, appendix 2)
The 1 st year students The 2 nd and 3 rd year students
Table 3: Students’ utilization of listening online
This question is to find students use method of listening online or not It is raised to both 28 first year students and 5- 2 nd and 3 rd – year- students The table
The data indicates that 50% of first-year students have tried listening online, while the remaining 50% have not yet explored this method In contrast, all students in higher classes, representing 100%, prefer or have tried listening online To gain a comprehensive understanding of students’ opinions toward online listening, further investigation through additional questions is necessary.
4.4.2 Students’ opinion on using listening online activities and its frequency (question 8,appendix 1,question 3,appendix 2)
The 1 st year students(subject
The 2 nd and 3 rd year students(subject2) frequently sometimes never frequently sometimes never
Table 4: Students’ opinion on using listening online activities and their frequency
This survey compares online listening activities between two student subjects, highlighting their preferences and frequencies According to Subject 1, students predominantly listen to English songs (80%) and movies (14%), with English and American news ranked third at 10% In contrast, Subject 2 exclusively listens to English songs, with 100% frequency, showing a strong affinity for music Additionally, Subject 2 also frequently listens to other audio content beyond English songs, indicating diverse listening habits These findings provide insights into students' online listening behaviors and preferences, valuable for optimizing language learning resources.
The study shows that 80% of students frequently watch English movies, with 78% of first-year students occasionally engaging in this activity, while 8% never do Additionally, 45% of students sometimes use English and American news, online lectures, and English songs, each with similar participation rates Notably, 100% of students report never engaging in English stories, poems, or games Furthermore, 80% of students rarely or never use online lectures, and 45% do not utilize English and American news, with 8% never watching English movies Overall, English movies and songs are the most prioritized online activities, especially among both student groups, with subject 2 also showing interest in online lectures and news The upcoming survey will explore students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of these activities.
4.4.3 Students’ opinion toward effectiveness of listening online.(question 9, appendix 1, question 4, appendix 2)
The 1 st year students(subject 1)
The 2 nd and 3 rd year students(subject2)
Effective Normal Not effective Effective Normal Not effective
Table 5: Effectiveness of listening online activities
Looking at the table 5 above we can easily see the similar and differences in both 2 subjects‟ opinions about listening online activities‟ effectiveness
Findings and discussion of findings
Due to the limited sample size of students surveyed and interviewed, the results may not fully represent the overall listening skills of English major students at Hai Phong Private University However, I hope that the findings and subsequent discussion can provide valuable insights to some extent.
First-year students recognize the importance of listening skills, with 83% considering it very important for their future careers Despite this awareness, only about 10% prefer listening as their favorite skill, often due to the perception that listening is difficult, as 78% of students, including many from higher years, agree Although students understand the significance of listening, they tend to pay less attention to practicing it Therefore, it is essential to address students' needs and foster positive attitudes toward learning English listening skills to enhance their motivation and proficiency.
Students face various challenges in listening comprehension, including external noise, poor sound quality of audio devices, and the lack of visual cues, which hinder their focus during lessons Additionally, limited vocabulary and unfamiliarity with native English accents further impede understanding While only a few students find the lessons too difficult or are dissatisfied with certain listening activities, many still demonstrate a lack of motivation to practice regularly These internal and external factors significantly impact students' ability to improve their listening skills To enhance listening proficiency, students should actively seek practice opportunities outside the classroom, such as listening to native speakers, practicing at home, and engaging with friends or teachers, thereby overcoming difficulties and fostering better listening comprehension.
Many students do not practice listening at home consistently, with a survey revealing that 23 students occasionally practice, while one student never listens to English at home However, there are students who practice more frequently, dedicating about 1 hour daily to listening practice, which is encouraging To improve overall English skills, especially listening, students should increase their practice time regularly Consistent and dedicated listening practice is essential for language proficiency development.
According to the survey, 50% of first-year students and all second- and third-year students have tried online listening activities, indicating widespread acceptance across academic levels Both groups favor listening to songs and movies most, highlighting these as preferred learning methods Listening to news and online lectures also offers significant benefits, with 30% and 50% of first-year students, and 40% and 50% of advanced students, respectively, recognizing their usefulness Conversely, a high percentage of students from both groups view listening games, stories, and poems as ineffective, suggesting these methods are less favored for language development. -Boost your article’s impact with SEO-friendly, concise paragraph rewriting—try our expert content refinement now!
After interviewing students about their goals for improving listening skills, it was evident that their primary hopes are to enhance their ability to understand spoken English, acquire new vocabulary, and gain valuable information through listening practice They also emphasized the importance of comprehending the content of conversations when communicating with foreigners, highlighting their desire to achieve better overall fluency and intercultural communication skills.
This chapter uses a survey questionnaire to explore students' opinions, awareness, expectations, and challenges in learning English listening It also examines students’ perceptions and usage of online listening methods These findings aim to provide insights into the current situation of English listening education for English majors at Hai Phong private university and evaluate the effectiveness of online learning from students’ perspectives Based on the survey results, the next chapter will introduce online listening activities designed to engage students, promote self-study, and improve their listening skills.
CHAPTER III: Suggested techniques and tips to learn
Chapter 2 reveals the challenges faced by English majors at HPU in developing their listening skills, as identified through a comprehensive survey Despite attempts to incorporate innovative technologies like online English listening exercises, students continue to encounter difficulties and have not yet achieved optimal effectiveness with these methods This research aims to analyze these issues and explore strategies to enhance listening skill acquisition among students.
Chapter 3 will show the listening English online activities and steps to listen to them according to analyzing each activity in turn Now, we are going to the first listening activity “listening to lecture with video”.
Listening to lectures with video
Lectures are the primary method of knowledge transfer in universities, making it essential to enhance your ability to understand them effectively Many educational institutions now offer online audio and video lectures accessible to self-learners worldwide, which can be downloaded or streamed for free These online lectures help students deepen their understanding of specific subjects, expose them to diverse lecturer accents, and familiarize them with U.S teaching styles Additionally, engaging with online lectures serves as valuable preparation for attending in-person classes at a university.
Listening to online lectures in a second language presents challenges, including understanding the lecturer’s speech characteristics such as accent, speed, intonation, and expressions It also requires skills like identifying main ideas and effective note-taking Additionally, technical issues like internet connectivity, sound quality, and downloading problems can hinder learning While online lectures can support English listening practice, they cannot fully replace the experience of attending in-person classes.
Choosing the materials and preparation a Choosing the materials
To improve your English listening skills online, it is essential to choose practice materials that match your current proficiency level Listening to content that is too easy may not effectively challenge you, leading to boredom and limited progress Conversely, challenging materials that are too difficult can cause frustration and hinder your ability to understand, even after multiple listens Finding the right balance in difficulty is key to developing your listening comprehension effectively.
When selecting lectures for listening practice, choose ones you can partially understand but that also push you to concentrate and improve your skills Aim for videos that are understandable enough to grasp the main ideas after two or three listens, even if you initially miss some details This balanced approach helps enhance comprehension and listening fluency effectively.
If you struggle to find a lecture that matches your current skill level, it is generally more effective to opt for a slightly easier lecture rather than one that is too difficult Choosing a lecture that is too challenging can hinder your learning progress, whereas an appropriately easier lecture allows you to build foundational knowledge However, ensure the material is not so basic that you cannot learn anything new, as engaging with slightly accessible content promotes continuous growth and skill development.
Numerous websites offer comprehensive lecture videos and transcripts across all levels, from beginner to advanced, covering a wide range of topics Accessing these reputable resources can significantly enhance your learning experience Notable sites include http://luyenngheanhvan.com and http://www.petalia.org/hoctienganh/listen.htm, which provide valuable materials for improving listening skills and overall language proficiency.
To effectively listen to an online lecture, ensure you have all necessary tools ready, such as a notebook, pencil, and headphones Access a reliable internet connection and choose your favored website or platform Find and select the desired video lecture, then wait patiently and prepare yourself to click the “play” button for an optimal learning experience.
Start by clicking the “CC” button to view the lecture subtitles while keeping the sound off Quickly scan the subtitles to identify new vocabulary and main ideas, helping you understand the lecture better This method enhances your vocabulary and prepares you to listen more effectively.
Then, set up yourself some questions about lectures such as:
"What do I want to know?"
"How many parts are there in this lecture?"
"What am I supposed to learn from this lecture?"
"What is the lecture‟s purpose?"
Preparing for effective listening involves identifying key questions, gathering relevant knowledge, setting clear goals for what to listen for, and determining the essential information to catch during the activity These preparatory steps boost your confidence and motivation, making your next listening session more successful and engaging.
At the first time listening: taking notes
Activate the sound but avoid using subtitles to enhance listening skills Focus carefully on the lecture, using your vocabulary and notes to identify key points Listen attentively and write down important information or main ideas that you hear, which helps improve comprehension and retention This practice boosts listening abilities and reinforces understanding of the lecture content without relying on visual aids.
At the second time listening: repeating word of speaker
To improve your English listening skills, it's important to recognize that words, phrases, and sentences may have different pronunciations, intonations, and stress patterns from what you initially expect Practice listening and reading along with audio recordings to better understand and internalize these differences This method can significantly enhance your pronunciation and help you recognize similar words more easily in future listening lessons, leading to faster progress in your language learning journey.
At the third time listening: answering the question
Before listening to the lecture, recall all the questions you previously asked yourself to set a clear purpose for learning During the lecture, focus on actively listening and taking effective notes to capture key points Afterward, review your notes and reflect on what you remember to reinforce your understanding By combining your notes with your prior questions, you can accurately answer the initial questions, enhancing your comprehension and retention of the material This active listening and note-taking strategy helps improve learning outcomes and prepares you for success in exams or discussions.
Rewatch the video multiple times to reinforce your understanding of the lecture content Compare your notes with the lecture subtitles to identify any missed main points or keywords This review process helps improve retention and ensures you grasp the key concepts effectively.
Reread vocabulary, structure to ensure that you remember meaning as well as pronunciation of new words and grammar best.
Listening to news online with the text
Listening to online news offers numerous benefits for students, including access to weekly updates across various fields of society, making these websites valuable learning resources Students can enhance their engagement through interactive quizzes and listening exercises, ensuring they stay motivated and avoid boredom They have the flexibility to choose preferred recordings, listen multiple times for full comprehension, and utilize available transcripts to analyze vocabulary and grammar Ultimately, online news listening helps students expand their specialized vocabulary, terminology, and grammatical skills, supporting language development.
While listening to news on the websites mentioned above offers many benefits, there are some limitations to consider The abundance of news sources can make it time-consuming to find content that matches your level of understanding Additionally, students often encounter difficulties in comprehending news due to limited vocabulary and background knowledge, which can hinder the listening experience.
Choosing the right news is a challenging task; it's important to select brief, clear stories to grasp essential information without becoming overwhelmed When picking news, seek out related Vietnamese documents to deepen your understanding Incorporating relevant images can enhance your imagination of the event, allowing you to visualize the process or development more quickly For example, pictures illustrating damage from an earthquake help you instantly comprehend the scope of the disaster, such as damaged houses, construction, and affected people.
There are various methods to effectively listen to news or reports This article presents two different procedures designed to help students improve their listening skills By practicing these techniques, students can enhance their comprehension and retention of information Applying these methods can make listening practice more efficient and engaging.
Firstly, preview the text of news
When listening to news or reading quickly, focus on capturing key information and new vocabulary to identify the main ideas and relevant keywords For example, in a short news update like “Earthquake in Haiti,” quickly recognizing this phrase helps you understand the core topic and enhances your ability to remember important details related to disasters and natural events.
United Nations officials have reported that approximately 250 personnel were working at the peacekeeping mission headquarters, which has now collapsed The head of the mission was inside the building at the time and remains unaccounted for The earthquake occurred around 5 p.m., making it difficult to determine how many other staff members were present at the time of the incident.
United Nations troops, numbering around 11,000 including civilian personnel, have surrounded the ruins and are actively working to rescue those trapped in the rubble amid widespread damage to UN buildings, though details remain scarce due to disrupted communications The peacekeeping force, deployed in 2004 to restore order after an armed insurrection against President Jean Bertrand Aristide, faces challenges that may slow relief and rescue efforts for the Haitian people Despite these setbacks, the UN's humanitarian department is mobilizing emergency response teams and releasing funds to assist affected communities UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon expressed shock at the scale of devastation and has initiated efforts to coordinate an international humanitarian response.
Set up some questions about news This aims to give you the goal have to do when you listen, for example:
“What is the news talking about?”
“When did the disaster occur?”
“Where did the disaster occur?”
Firstly, listen in order to grasp the main idea
Effective listening skills focus on understanding the main idea rather than every word or sentence During listening activities, students should concentrate on capturing key words and essential information, even if they miss some details or passages The goal is to grasp the overall message, making it important to prioritize main points over perfect transcription This approach enhances comprehension and helps develop strong listening skills critical for language learning.
Go through the news sentence by sentence, jotting down any vocabulary words in your notebook that you are hearing for the first time
Try to answer the questions prepared in pre-listening:
“The news is talking an earthquake in Haiti”
“The earthquake occurred at 5 o‟clock in the afternoon”
“It occurred in headquarters and other buildings of United Nation”
Detailed listening mastery involves students thoroughly understanding news content by focusing on every word and sentence The goal is to hear each sound and syllable precisely and grasp the meaning of every word Effective techniques include pausing and rewinding recordings to revisit missed parts, writing down each word and sentence accurately, and creating full transcriptions of passages to reinforce comprehension and retention.
Compare your transcription with available text to find out your mistakes in listening process
Learn new words in the news and try your best to make them stay learned
Headquarters: main offices of an organization
Remains unaccounted for: is still missing and no one has any news of him
Rubble: bits of broken stones, bricks that are left when a building falls down Details are scarce: there is not much information and it is hard to obtain
Civilian personnel: people who are employed by the UN to work in offices
Deployed: started to do a job or some work (in the army or armed forces)
An armed insurrection: a violent attempt by a group of people to defeat their government and take control of their country
Blow: unexpected event that causes serious damage
Releasing emergency funds: using money that has been put aside for serious situations
Sharing news or stories with friends offers a valuable opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings from listening and to express personal opinions Engaging in such conversations enhances understanding and encourages open discussion This interaction not only improves communication skills but also allows for meaningful connection and exchange of perspectives.
First, view the passage that has missing words, the news below is an example:
South Korea Blames North Korea for Warship Sinking
An investigation into the March 26th sinking of a warship revealed that it was caused by a North Korean torpedo, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 sailors South Korea initially refrained from blaming North Korea until forensic evidence was thoroughly examined, but the investigation ultimately led to South Korea freezing all trade with the North North Korea denied the accusations and responded with threats to declare war In response, U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Beijing and urged the international community to hold North Korea accountable for its actions.
Based on the article's title, “South Korea Blames North Korea for Warship Sinking,” it is evident that the article discusses ongoing tensions between the two nations The content likely covers South Korea's accusations against North Korea regarding the incident, emphasizing the political and military repercussions Key sentences may include details about the sinking, evidence presented by South Korea, and North Korea's response Additionally, the article might analyze regional security implications and international reactions, highlighting the significance of the conflict in East Asian geopolitics To optimize for SEO, the paragraph should incorporate relevant keywords such as “South Korea,” “North Korea,” “warship sinking,” “military escalation,” and “regional security.”
Besides, in the next blanks, though you cannot predict exactly which words can be filled in but you guess they can be what type of words
5 Maybe is a noun or an adjective
Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks
You can listen to the tape many times as needed to complete your task
South Korea Blames North Korea for Warship Sinking
An investigation into the March 26th sinking of a South Korean warship attributed the incident to a North Korean torpedo, resulting in the loss of 46 sailors South Korea initially refrained from blaming North Korea until forensic evidence was thoroughly analyzed Following the investigation’s findings, South Korea imposed a freeze on all trade with North Korea North Korea denied the accusations and threatened to declare war in response US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Seoul and Beijing to urge the international community to hold North Korea accountable for its actions.
Check your gap-filling: 1 South Korean 2 Blame
Learn all new words you just get from the news, for example:
Investigation: research into a matter in order to get information or answers Sinking: falling to the bottom of the water where the ground is
Torpedo: an explosive device sent from a submarine
Point fingers: blame someone before seeing the evidence
Hold someone accountable: to make someone pay for what they did wrong
Listening to music online by English songs
Songs are an effective method to learn English, as students can improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar while listening Displaying lyrics on the screen helps learners catch the words, enhance reading speed, and understand common slang and idioms The internet offers thousands of updated English songs daily, allowing students to choose their favorites or newest releases Additionally, various activity types for songs make learning more engaging and enjoyable, helping students stay motivated and relaxed during their language learning journey.
English songs often have intonation, stress, weakening or omission which cause students meet difficult in realizing words even though they are simple words
There are the thousands of different songs on the websites so students have to spend much time on finding their own favorite songs and suitable to their level
Listening to English songs is essential for students, as it combines relaxation with language learning To effectively improve your English skills, choose slow and easy-to-understand songs that allow you to grasp vocabulary and content more easily Understanding song lyrics can be challenging, so selecting suitable tracks helps you enhance listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary simultaneously.
Firstly, read the lyrics having the missing words, and the song below is an example:
Blue Night - Michael Learns To Rock
Lately you been asking me if my words are true
Don't you know I'll do anything you Sometimes haven't been good to you
Sometimes I've made cry And I sorry for everything but I promise you I promise this
When the blue night is over my on the dark side of the in space When I'm all alone the stars above you are the one I
So there's no need to worry My heart is sealed for
And no one's gonna take away
I promise you girl I promise this
When the night is over my face on the side of the world in space When I'm all alone the stars above are the one I love
Your is calling to me in my dreams My love is stronger than it's been
Certainly! Please provide the article you'd like me to work with.
According to your preparation above, now you listen to entire the song and fill in the blanks as possible
Lately you have been asking me if all my words are true
Don't you know I'll do anything for you
Sometimes I haven't been good to you Sometimes I've made you cry
And I am sorry for everything but I promise you girl
When the blue night is over my face on the dark side of the world in space When I'm all alone with the stars above you are the one I love
So there's no need to worry girl My heart is sealed for you
And no one's gonna take it away Cos' I promise you girl
When the blue night is over my face on the dark side of the world in space When I'm all alone with the stars above You are the one I love
Your voice is calling to me in my dreams My love is stronger than it’s ever been
Check your summary, gap-filling or transcription with the lyrics
Write your own lyrics or record your own song
You can both listen and sing your song to practice all its vocabulary, pronunciation and meaning
To effectively understand songs, look for ones that have printed lyrics available If you anticipate difficulty hearing the lyrics clearly, reading the lyrics beforehand can be very helpful Having some background knowledge about the song or artist enhances your listening experience This approach ensures better comprehension and enjoyment of the music.
Greatness as you Smallest as me
You show me what is deep as sea
All of little something These are our memories
You make me cry, make me smile make me feel that love is true
You always stand by my side
I don't want to say goodbye
You make me cry, make me smile make me feel the joy of love
Thank you for all the love you always give to me oh I love you
Make me cry, make me smile make me feel that love is true
You always stand by my side I don't want to say goodbye
To be with you, oh I love you
Finding the new words and checking their meaning and pronunciation some minutes before starting listening, this helps you realize easily difficult vocabulary, phrase and sentence when listening
At the first time listening
To improve your understanding of new vocabulary, jot down unfamiliar words and look them up in the dictionary When developing your interpretive skills, note the main idea of the song to help infer meaning from the lyrics You can verify your understanding later by comparing your notes with the song lyrics or discussing them with a friend who is familiar with the song.
At the second time listening
Stopping the tape, rewinding and listening again every time you miss something
Try to transcribe the song word for word This is a useful technique for advanced learners or for intermediate learners if the song is fairly simple
Making a full transcription, that is, writing out the whole passage, you can then compare your transcription with the actual lyrics
Effective vocabulary retention begins with writing down new words and checking their meanings in a dictionary, but the real challenge lies in remembering these words over time To enhance long-term memory, actively review and incorporate the vocabulary into your daily conversations and writing Consistent practice and engaging with the words help reinforce retention, making it easier to recall them when needed Use proven memorization techniques like spaced repetition and contextual learning to maximize your vocabulary learning success.
Listen to the songs again but without reading the lyrics this time
Discuss the song and any problems you had in listening with a friend.
Playing the games online
Games are highly effective for enhancing learning by making the process enjoyable and engaging They help students relax, reduce stress, and become more comfortable with the material The listening games section offers a variety of fun activities designed to improve listening skills in an interactive way Today, numerous websites provide a wide selection of listening games that learners can easily access to play, learn, and unwind.
Many websites offer a variety of listening games, but these games are often quite simple to play As a result, learners tend to find only a few effective strategies or benefits from each game.
Below are some kinds of games that I take from the website http://english- games.com/ - a web with so many different games
This educational game aims to assess students' listening skills related to telling time To start, click the “Start” button, and then listen as the speaker reads aloud a specific time Students should observe the clock displayed on the screen and select the correct time after hearing the audio If the answer is correct, the speaker will say “yes”; if incorrect, they will say “no,” prompting the student to listen again The game continues until the monkey climbs to the top of the tree, symbolizing the completion of the activity Successfully identifying the correct times allows the student to finish the game and achieve victory.
Objectives: Playing this game, you can distinguish means of transports‟ name
Procedures: Firstly, click to menu to take the list of names related to images such as: plane, train, motorbike, van, car, truck, bike, and boat Then click to
Start the game by clicking "play." The speaker will read the name of a vehicle, and your task is to select the matching image based on what you hear If your choice is correct, a "yes" will appear on the screen; if it’s incorrect, a "no" will be shown, and you can listen again to try again Once the game is complete, your results will be automatically marked and displayed.
4.3.” If you had a million dollars” game
Objectives: enhance respond ability of student when listening
This music game challenges players to listen carefully and select the correct answers quickly To begin, simply click the “play” button to start As the singer performs, players must focus on listening to the song, which is accompanied by on-screen lyrics Despite the lyrics being displayed, there are three similar images with corresponding answer options; players need to identify and click the correct words that match the song Once the song concludes, your final score will be displayed, reflecting your listening accuracy and speed.
Watching the movie online with subtitle
English films offer a realistic portrayal of daily life, featuring authentic conversations, colloquial language, and slang that enhance language learning Watching these movies helps improve listening skills for real spoken English and exposes viewers to informal expressions and slang not always found in dictionaries Additionally, movies reflect various facets of modern American culture, providing valuable cultural insights alongside language practice.
There are numerous websites available for streaming movies online, such as Phim88, iuphim, and KRFilm, which offer easy access to a wide selection of films that can be watched instantly or downloaded for free Users can quickly find the latest releases or popular movies by clicking the “search” button at the top of each website Additionally, most films are equipped with both English and Vietnamese subtitles, providing valuable support for viewers to better understand the dialogues.
Good films often captivate students with their engaging plots, memorable characters, and exciting climaxes However, watching entire movies frequently can lead to neglecting your studies and hinder your learning progress To maximize educational benefits, students should choose their films carefully and focus on extracting meaningful insights rather than passive viewing Balancing entertainment with study priorities is essential for effective learning and personal development.
Choose a film that you will enjoy and enhance your understanding by reading a guide beforehand Visit ESLnotes.com, which offers "available guides" for popular movies, providing over 100 difficult sentences with detailed explanations These guides help you familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary, making it easier to follow the movie's plot and dialogues Using such a guide improves your comprehension and enriches your viewing experience.
Look for films which carry the logo , which means that English subtitles are available Subtitles are very useful if you find it difficult to listen to fast informal conversation
Look for films which have a transcript (script of the dialogue) available
If you find out about the historical or cultural background of a film before you watch, this will help you understand the film much better
Preparing ready all necessary tools for watching film such as pen, notebook…
To effectively understand a film or novel, it's essential to review the theme, plot, and list of major characters beforehand This preparation helps you grasp the storyline, key vocabulary, and important details, making it easier to follow when listening or watching For example, analyzing the main characters and plot of the film “Good Will Hunting” provides valuable context that enhances comprehension and overall enjoyment of the movie.
A troubled young janitor from Boston who is both an orphan and an amazing genius with a photographic memory
An extremely intelligent Math professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who discovers how brilliant Will really is
A psychologist and old friend of Lambeau who agrees to try and help Will Chuckie Ben Affleck
Will's best friend from childhood, who pushes him to use his genius to get a better life
A British science student at Harvard University who falls in love with Will Morgan Casey Affleck
A good friend of Will and Chuckie
Another good friend of Will and Chuckie
Will Hunting is a 20-year-old janitor at MIT, one of the world's most prestigious universities, working amidst cutting-edge academic environments Orphaned and raised in foster homes with a history of physical abuse, he carries a challenging past Despite his difficult upbringing, Will possesses an extraordinary mathematical genius with a photographic memory, effortlessly solving complex math problems posted on the hallway chalkboards by MIT professors To students and faculty, these problems are extremely challenging, but for Will, they are simple and solvable, highlighting his exceptional talent.
Lambeau secures a deal with a judge to prevent Will from going to jail, contingent upon Will's commitment to solving mathematical problems and receiving psychological assistance Will agrees to these conditions, demonstrating his willingness to seek help and engage in constructive activities to avoid incarceration.
Will proves too challenging for the psychologists Lambeau enlists, prompting Lambeau to seek help from his old friend Sean MaGuire, a psychology instructor at a local community college Despite his own struggles, including the recent loss of his wife of 17 years to cancer, Sean is willing to assist This decision highlights the importance of trusted relationships and expertise in addressing complex psychological issues.
Sean agrees to work with Will despite their relationship being extremely difficult and emotionally explosive He remains committed because he believes he can help Will find stability and happiness, demonstrating dedication to supporting his friend's well-being.
Over the upcoming months, Will develops a romantic relationship with Skyler, a British student at Harvard University planning to attend Medical School at Stanford University in California Skyler falls deeply in love with Will and wishes for him to join her in California, but his fears of emotional intimacy and leaving Boston hinder his decision.
Lambeau hopes Will finds a job that leverages his exceptional mathematical intelligence, while Chuckie encourages him to pursue a life beyond their challenging working-class circumstances Ultimately, Sean provides the patience, courage, and guidance Will needs to move forward and build a better future for himself.
Reading a guide that explains complex movie dialogues with detailed explanations can significantly enhance your understanding of difficult sentences This approach helps you familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary before watching the film For example, an excerpt from "Good Will Hunting" can illustrate how breaking down challenging lines improves comprehension and language skills By studying these explanations, you optimize your movie-watching experience and build a stronger vocabulary tailored to cinematic contexts.
Words and Expressions that You may not Know
(Paragraph: “Will loses his job as a janitor, but at a local bar for
Harvard students, he shows who is smart enough to get the girl ”)
You get canned more than tuna, bitch
A semi-clever play on words, "Canned" means to be laid-off or fired from a job, and of course, to be literally put in cans
One way to say simple, or too easy
Of course, that's your contention
A good word for belief, or claim
A good way to slow somebody down when you need time to think, or as here, when you object to what someone is saying
My boy is wicked smart!
An interesting adjective that most often simply means evil although here it is used as an adverb to mean extremely!
A very common noun for a stupid or ridiculous person
Maybe we could just get together and eat a bunch of caramels
"To get together" is an excellent phrasal verb meaning to meet
And / or spend time together Caramels are delicious little candies
Well, I got her number! How do you like them apples?!
A wonderful but very old-fashioned expression in the form of a question, which is used when you expect the listener to be surprised or angry or perhaps amazed
Focusing on a specific part of a movie is highly effective for improving pronunciation and memorizing new vocabulary Selecting an interesting segment that features multiple pronunciation nuances, new words, or phrases allows for targeted listening practice Replaying a short clip repeatedly helps learners grasp pronunciation characteristics and reinforces language retention This step-by-step approach makes language learning more engaging and efficient, especially when aiming to enhance listening skills and expand vocabulary.
To effectively watch a film for language learning, start by watching with subtitles on to engage both your eyes and ears simultaneously, helping you grasp the movie's theme and main ideas Don't hesitate to pause and rewind if you encounter unclear parts or difficult language Use a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words, which enhances your vocabulary and understanding of pronunciation in connected speech This method ensures a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
Listening to recordings of real English conversation online
"Everyday English in Conversation is designed to engage learners in meaningful, real-life situations, enhancing their ability to communicate naturally Unlike textbook materials that focus on formal or written English—with vocabulary and style suited for writing—listening to authentic English provides a more practical learning experience Real English materials expose learners to the language used in daily conversations, helping them overcome difficulties in real-world communication with foreign speakers Listening to recordings of genuine conversations enables learners to improve their conversational skills by understanding native speakers discuss various topics, learn useful idioms, expand their vocabulary with common words and phrases, test their language skills in everyday contexts, and practice responding appropriately in real-life situations."
There are numerous websites offering English listening lessons featuring dialogues, conversations, and interviews, tailored for language learners These platforms typically provide accompanying transcripts, texts, and videos to enhance understanding and comprehension Users can listen online or download the content to practice listening skills anytime, anywhere.
Listening to authentic English can be challenging for learners due to various factors such as unfamiliar accents, different intonation and stress patterns, and the natural weakening or omission of sounds Additionally, native speakers often speak at a fast pace, making it difficult for learners to comprehend everything in real-time Improving understanding requires exposure to diverse authentic speech and practice with varied listening materials.
A common challenge students face when learning English is the lack of exposure to authentic spoken language, including slang and idioms These elements are essential for understanding real-life conversations, yet students often struggle with them due to limited vocabulary in these areas As a result, the absence of slang and idiomatic expressions creates significant limitations, making it difficult for students to comprehend and engage in real conversations effectively.
Conversations vary in type, including short, long, simple, or complex exchanges, and are often defined by their context, timing, and location They can occur in person or via telephone, depending on the situation Understanding the different forms of conversation is essential for effective communication across diverse settings.
Conversations can take place anytime and anywhere, such as at home, parties, buses, schools, or hospitals, often involving two or more participants, which can make selecting appropriate learning materials challenging For beginners, it is recommended to listen to short, clear recordings with minimal background noise to improve comprehension Additionally, using audio that accompanies texts, videos, and transcriptions can significantly enhance understanding of the conversation while listening.
Using available clues related to topic of conversation
Using clues is essential for predicting and understanding what you might hear in listening exercises These clues include outlines, questions to answer, and forms or graphs to fill in, all of which help focus your attention and improve listening comprehension Incorporating these strategies makes listening practice more effective and enhances your ability to anticipate key information.
For example, here is a form to fill in Basing on this form, try to predict words have ability to fill in
Lucy: What's _ _your phone, Dale? I tried to call you all night last night Dale: I'm sorry No one was able to_ _yesterday My telephone was _ by the phone company
Listen to the dialogue again Let you listen as many times as needed to fill in the blanks with the words you hear
My telephone is disconnected Lucy: What's wrong with your phone, Dale? I tried to call you all night last night
Dale: I'm sorry No one was able to get through yesterday My telephone was disconnected by the phone company
Lucy: What happened? Didn't you pay the bill?
Check the answer at the blanks you just fill in
Let to study the vocabulary used in the dialogue Read aloud and try to remember them
Apply what you have just learned to make other dialogue that have the same topic Be creative! For example:
A: You will never believe what happened
A: My electricity was turned off
A: I forgot to pay the bill again
B: What's going to happen now?
A: I have to go down to the office tomorrow and get it straightened out
Using the text of recording
Before engaging in a conversation, it’s essential to carefully read and analyze the transcript Prepare by reviewing relevant vocabulary, slang, and idioms, and identify the speakers’ identities and the main topics to be discussed This preparation ensures a clear understanding of the context, allowing for more effective communication and accurate interpretation of the conversation Following these steps optimizes your listening and comprehension skills, leading to more insightful and meaningful interactions.
And, you can use a set of questions to answer to know what main information you have to focus when listening For example:
Was Lucy able to get a hold of Dale?
Was there anyone able to get a hold of him by phone last night?
What happened to Dale's telephone?
Did Dale do anything wrong?
While listening… a Listen for the main idea
Listen to the dialogue between Lucy and Dale carefully, using the tape to identify key information As you listen, consider the four main questions to understand the conversation's core message, and feel free to replay the tape as many times as needed to answer all questions accurately Combining active listening with reading will enhance comprehension and retention, making your learning more effective.
To the long conversation, you should combine reading and listening to understand the content easily
Listen to the whole of the recording one time with the text, then one or more time without the text.( Alternate between listening-and-reading and just listening)
Listen to a section of the tape, then stop and read, listen again, stop and read and so on
Check the answer of questions above:
3 Dale‟s telephone was disconnected by the phone company
4 He forgot to pay the bill
Review the vocabulary, try to remember them
Read following the recording to practice intonation, stress and pronunciation like the native people
In Chapter 3, I explore effective online methods for learning English listening skills, focusing on analyzing the advantages, limitations, and proper selection of materials The chapter emphasizes key procedures such as pre-listening, during-listening, and post-listening strategies to enhance comprehension I aim to help students better understand online listening techniques and encourage them to implement these methods in their English learning journey.