Alleviating Effects of Self-Regulating the Audio on Listening Comprehension Problems

Abstract

ABSTRACT In language classrooms, listening is considered a problematic skill for various reasons. The uncontrollable nature of speech’s speed of delivery plays a major role in these issues. Tight teacher control over the audio input creates even more unfavorable conditions for listeners to sufficiently absorb input. This study explores the positive effects of self-regulating the audio on listening comprehension problems of foreign language (FL) listeners. Thirty Flemish secondary school English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Belgium participated in a quasi-experimental design in which the control group (N = 16) worked in pairs and listened to the audio input twice, while the experiment group (N = 14), also working in pairs, had the option to regulate the audio input. Despite having a common listening proficiency level (A2), a qualitative analysis reveals that there are prominent differences in the significance and frequency of listening comprehension problems between pairs with and without the self-regulation option. By documenting the listening problems students experience and self-regulation’s effect on them, the current study illustrates the possible benefits of more autonomy for listeners and suggests new insights into listening education from linguistic and pedagogical perspectives.