Strategy use, listening problems, and motivation of high- and low-proficiency Chinese listeners

Abstract

ABSTRACTBuilding on previous listening strategy research, the author aimed to explore the differences between Chinese high-proficiency listeners (HLs) and low-proficiency listeners (LLs) on their strategy use, problems, and motivation in native language (L1) listening. It involved 1,290 Grade 7 and 1,515 Grade 9 students. Both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a listening comprehension test, questionnaires, and interviews, were adopted. The findings indicated that HLs possessed more types of strategies and used strategies more frequently and effectively than LLs. HLs not only reported fewer listening problems but also had a better awareness of listening problems and use of problem-solving strategies than LLs. Both HLs and LLs agreed with the importance of listening but showed little interest in doing listening tasks. The similarities and differences between the findings of this study and those of second-language listening research and implications for planning effective instruction to enhance native language listening proficiency are discussed.