Investigating EFL learners’ Attitudes Towards Using English Podcasts for Enhancing their Listening Skills Case Study: First-year Master Students of English at the University of Ghardaia

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the attitudes of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner’s attitude towards using English podcasts as a tool to enhance their listening skills. Listening is a crucial aspect of language acquisition, and the emergence of podcasts presents a new avenue for learners to develop their listening skills. By understanding EFL learners' attitudes towards podcasts, valuable insights which can help devlop effective listening strategies.This study was conducted at the University of Ghardaia with the first year masters’ students of English. A descriptive research Design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaire was administered to 40 students, while interviews were conducted with six teachers. The results indicated that the majority of EFL learners are in favour of using English podcasts to develop their listening skills. The study's valuable insights highlighted the need to incorporate technological materials, such as podcasts, into the curriculum. This would allow students to practice and improve their listening skill and other skills such as speaking skill partuculary pronuciation. However, educators should take advantage of podcasts and integrate them into the classroom as teaching materials, bringing the outside world into the learning environment. Key words: listening skill, podcasts, attitudes, EFL learnersThis research aims to investigate the attitudes of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner’s attitude towards using English podcasts as a tool to enhance their listening skills. Listening is a crucial aspect of language acquisition, and the emergence of podcasts presents a new avenue for learners to develop their listening skills. By understanding EFL learners' attitudes towards podcasts, valuable insights which can help devlop effective listening strategies.This study was conducted at the University of Ghardaia with the first year masters’ students of English. A descriptive research Design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaire was administered to 40 students, while interviews were conducted with six teachers. The results indicated that the majority of EFL learners are in favour of using English podcasts to develop their listening skills. The study's valuable insights highlighted the need to incorporate technological materials, such as podcasts, into the curriculum. This would allow students to practice and improve their listening skill and other skills such as speaking skill partuculary pronuciation. However, educators should take advantage of podcasts and integrate them into the classroom as teaching materials, bringing the outside world into the learning environment.