Learner strategies and advanced level listening comprehension

Abstract

This paper takes as its starting point the contention that listening in a foreign language is a complex but under-researched skill that poses particular problems for students post-GCSE. It goes on to outline what is known about how effective and less effective listeners differ in their approach to comprehending spoken language, providing a review of studies into the listening strategies used by these two types of learner. This review highlights the growing realisation among researchers of the importance of metacognitive strategies and the need to investigate not only which strategies learners use but also how they employ them. It then considers the extent to which it is possible to make good listening strategies accessible to all advanced level learners, beginning with a review of studies that have investigated this question, with mixed results. A model for strategy training is discussed, in which, it is argued, maximum emphasis needs to be placed on encouraging students to evaluate the success or otherwise of the strategies they employ. The value of such an approach in improving the listening skills and motivation of advanced language learners is highlighted.