Second year students perceptions about extensive listening in an english pedagogy degree in a regional university; description and analysis

Abstract

The main objective of this research project is to find out if extensive listening will change students’ perceptions about listening practice. It was applied to second year students of the English Pedagogy degree of a regional University in Chile. This study is based on a qualitative research focused mainly in participants’ perceptions. Additionally, it follows the steps of an action research, but with the exception that the last stage was omitted. In order to collect data, three instruments were designed. First, an initial survey aimed to collect the different perceptions of participants towards extensive listening. Second, an extensive listening package was created in order to immerse students into English Language and provide them with enjoyable materials. Finally, a questionnaire was applied in order to understand how the package affected students’ perceptions about extensive listening. The results of this research showed that students were interested in doing extensive listening. Besides, through the research it was possible to find out, that students were already practicing extensive listening without knowing. In addition, after encouraging students to do extensive listening, they felt more intrinsically motivated. Finally, through this research it was possible to find out that the more exposed they were to extensive listening, the more interested they became. This study contributes to raise awareness about the benefits of extensive listening and also to lead further research.