The Effects of Podcast-Based Listening Instruction on High School EFL Students’ Attitudes Toward English and Listening Skills

High School EFL Students’ Attitudes Toward English and Listening Skills

Abstract

The study examined the impact of podcast-based listening instructions on students’ attitudes toward learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and their listening skills. It collected both qualitative and quantitative data using a quasi-experimental mixed-methods research design based on constructivist learning theory, utilizing a pre-/post-test non-equivalent control group model. There were 96 ninth-grade students from two high schools in Türkiye who participated; the control group received traditional curriculum-based listening instruction, while the experimental group received podcast-supported listening activities over a six-week period. Quantitative data were collected using an Attitude Questionnaire toward English (pre-and post-Test), and qualitative data were collected using teacher and student self-reflection sheets. Using non-parametric and parametric statistical analyses, the researchers found no statistically different attitudes between the two groups at pre-Test; however, the post-Test scores showed that the experimental group had a statistically significant improvement in their attitudes toward learning English. When analysing the data based on gender, female students in the experimental group had significantly more gain in their overall attitude than males, but internet access did not significantly affect their attitudes about the study. The qualitative data also confirmed the quantitative findings, showing an increase in learner autonomy and engagement and less listening anxiety by students exposed to podcasts. These findings may be beneficial for secondary EFL listening instruction and indicate that using podcasts may positively affect students’ affective engagement and motivation. The authors discussed how language teachers can utilise technology in ways that will enhance their teaching practice and suggested that further research should be conducted on this topic.

Keywords: Podcast-based learning; EFL listening; learner attitudes; constructivist learning; technology-enhanced instruction