Geraldine Santos SaldañaTeaching Language as CommunicationJanuary 3rd, 2024"Listening"This unit has taught us that "listening" is a mental process that involves putting meaning to words. It is important to know that listening to a foreign language can be very challenging. Schools do not teach enough about listening, and teachers must come up with strategies to help students develop this skill. It is important to motivate them to practice this skill not only inside, but also outside the classroom. Although I have no teaching experience, I have learned a foreign language as a student. Living in Veracruz, I didn't have much exposure to the English language besides a few hours at school a day. After school, I was focused on listening to music mostly in English. I remember watching movies in English and not using the subtitles. I remember I used to make myself think in English and practice in my head. I used everything tool I could to be more exposed to the English language outside the classroom.
The process for listening a foreign language is not easy, it can be because the listener lacks of language skills and has little knowledge of the language.
First Stage
Second Stage
Third stage
Encourage extra exposure
How?
Ask students to listen to English stories, watch conversation shows or videos, films after class
Encourage learners to watch live English radio broadcasts
Suggestions for language teachers (Rost,1991)
Focus con meaning
-Learners make use of linguistic and non-linguistic abilities to understand what is heard.
Comprehension activities
By having comprehension activities, learners have opportunities for assessing and revising what they have achieved.
Attention to accuracy and an analysis of form
By listening to perceive sounds and words accurately as they work on meaning-oriented activities, our learners can make steady progress. When learners hear sounds and words more accurately, they gain confidence in listening for meaning.