Perspectives of EFL Students towards the Listening Skill

Abstract

This study aimed to describe EFL students' difficulties in listening skills in a public high school in Ambato, Ecuador. The sample involved 52 participants who are in the second year of baccalaureate with a majority of A1 English level learners. The instrument for collecting data was a survey that answered a Likert-type scale applied to know their current academic situation and their difficulties in listening. The link of the survey was shared with students in the WhatsApp groups. The data collected were analyzed in an excel worksheet and processed in a SPSS program where results were contrasted. Results showed the listening difficulties and displayed that students could improve their language competencies from their perspectives. Moreover, students answered questions where findings showed that learners worked consciously about listening activities development. Finally, students' perspectives presented in the survey determined their second language acquisition and development difficulties. Outcomes have demonstrated that research is significant for EFL teachers, investigators, and students. Thus, this investigation is beneficial for subsequent innovations to apply it in lesson plans and improve their listening competencies' English language practice.