Improvement of listening performance among undergraduate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL): a systematic literature review

One of the most significant language skills in learning a foreign language is listening. So far, however, there has been few studies about techniques to improve listening performance among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on the improvement of listening performance among EFL undergraduate learners. The review process included five key methodological steps, which are review protocol, formulation of research question, systematic searching strategies, quality appraisal, and data extraction and analysis. The systematic searching strategies consist of identification, screening, and eligibility on five databases: Scopus, Science Direct, SpringerLink, Emerald and Sage. Three main themes were discovered based on the thematic analysis which are 1) factors influencing listening, 2) computer-assisted technology, and 3) instruction approaches. These three themes are divided into 13 sub-themes. Theme one has six subthemes: 1) phonological kownledge, 2) prosodic knowledge, 3) phraseological and syntactic knowledge, 4) aural decoding, 5) metacognitive knowledge, and 6) noise in the conversation environment; theme two has three subthemes: 1) multimedia source, 2) interactive listening software, and 3) learning management systems platform; and theme three has four subthemes: 1) discrete-items instruction approaches, 2) task-based instruction approaches, 3) strategy-based instruction approaches, and 4) integrated instruction approaches. The theoretical implications of this study inform educators and researchers about the challenges that influence EFL learners’ listening and the usefulness of computer-assisted technology and different instruction approaches in improving EFL learners’ listening. Future empirical research is needed to validate the discussed technological applications and instructional approaches to improve listening performance, investigate metacognitive instruction approaches where controversial results have persisted, and explore integrated instruction approaches that could enhance EFL learners' ability to understand and use the target language.

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