The Effect of Summarization as a Pre-Listening Technique at University Preparatory Classes

Abstract

Listening forms a considerable role whilst communication. As for foreign language learning, listening is of major significance since it produces language input. For students, listening comprehension is one of the most challenging courses. For second language instructors, fostering the students’ listening comprehension skills and preparing them as active listeners is a big challenge. In this manner, this paper presents findings from an action research study exploring the impact of summarization technique as a pre-listening activity on EFL learners’ performance in giving correct immediate written response to listening comprehension questions. Data were elicited from 15 elementary level university prep class students at a state university in Turkey. A comparison between the pre-test and post-test scores demonstrated that the learners achieved significantly higher marks after the treatment classes. The findings suggest that summarization of listening passages is a useful predictor of improved performance.