Listening Effectively For Results in an ESL/EFL Classroom.

Abstract

Unlike writing and speaking, the listening skill is often overlooked probably because they are hard to observe and measure. Children and students are expected to listen but are never taught to listen as they are taught to speak, read and write. This negligence has contributed a lot to students' poor performance in schools and a breakdown in everyday communication. This study tries to differentiate between hearing and listening; looks into the different listening styles exhibited by people; gives reasons why people are poor listeners and how to develop effective listening habit. It also states what an ideal listening process ought to be; what people listen to and how to improve listening through active and critical listening. African Research Review Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 47-54