The Effect of Using Authentic Materials to Enhance Teaching and Learning Listening Comprehension for First and Second Year at Aljabal Agharba University

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of using authentic materials to enhance teaching and learning listening comprehension for first and second year at Aljabal Algharba University. To fulfill the aims of the study, qualitative data was collected through unstructured observation and semi-structured interviews. Only five English teachers of the university were chosen as participants in this research. These teachers were observed first in their listening classes and then interviewed. The findings revealed that the English teachers showed positive perceptions and awareness toward the use of authentic materials in teaching English. However, the majority of teachers found some challenges in using authentic materials such as the lack of students' vocabularies mastery, the lack of teacher's IT skills in finding any types and sources of authentic materials. Therefore, using authentic materials in teaching listening comprehension classes should be considered as a valuable and useful teaching technique for developing students’ listening skills and communication. Based on the findings, some pedagogical implications and recommendations are provided. Moreover, the results of the current study offered useful insights for improving the listening skills among EFL Libyan university students. Finally, this study opened new doors for further studies in future for new researchers.