Integrating Listening Skills at University Level: An Action Research at University of Sindh Campus Thatta

Abstract

This thesis is based on action research that was done in the classroom at the University of Sindh Campus Thatta.  The study aims to find out the listening comprehension challenges in order to find out accessible solution by designing a treatment plan to improve listening skill of the students of English Department UOSCT. In the researcher's own class, the treatment plan was put into practise using a cyclical process of planning, doing, observing, and reflecting.  An initial literature review led to the fact that teaching listening through IELTS listening podcasts can be an effective way to improve student's listening skills. 10 clasess were conducted to teach listening skills with the use of IELTS listening series episode 1 to 10. The data were collected in both quantitative (Questionnaire) and qualitative (Interviews)  methods. A set pre and post test was also conducted to check the improvement in students listening skills. According to the findings, the treatment therapy improved the students' engagement, motivation, self-assurance, listening abilities, and independent learning.  Although there were some challenges at start related to students low confidence, unresponsiveness and shyness which were largely brought under control by designing exciting tasks and activities. The study shows that students listening barriers can be resolved and their listening skills can be improved by taking some useful steps to teach listening in a variety of methods and by designing materials according to the level and need of students. Therefore, it is recommended that a more widespread adoption of this type of communicative learning throughout the institution and in other contexts is possible and might be advantageous for university instructors as well as students.

Keywords: action research, listening challenges, IELTS listening, teaching, learning, improving listening skills.

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/98-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2023