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USING PODCAST FOR ENHANCING LISTENING SKILLS
Saidova Dildora Anvar qizi
Student of group 102-23
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydulla qizi
Scientfic advisor:
Jizzakh branch of National University of Uzbekistan
Named after Mirzo Ulugbek
The faculty of Psychology the department of Foreign language:
Philology and teaching language: English
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14263945
Abstract
:
This article shows how to use podcast for improving listening skills and Podcasts are
now available covering almost any topic you can think of. I subscribe to about 30 different series,
covering topics like science, films, history, teaching, language, and storytelling. There’s something out
there for everyone.
The majority of podcasts are free, and you can find them in a variety of ways. I find most
of the podcasts I listen to from the BBC podcasts page, via the Apple Podcasts app (automatically
installed on Apple devices) or through the iTunes podcasts tab, but simply searching on Google
will also help you. For example, try ‘film review podcast’ and you’ll be inundated with examples.
Key words:
using podcasts, music, movie, imitation, shadowing.
The Benefits of Using Podcasts for ESL Learners
Using podcasts as part of language learning offers several unique advantages:
Variety of Content:
Podcasts cover a vast array of topics, enabling learners to choose
subjects that interest them. This enhances motivation and engagement.
Exposure to Different Accents and Dialects:
English is a global language spoken with
various accents and dialects. Podcasts provide exposure to these variations, helping learners
develop a more comprehensive understanding of spoken English.
Improved Pronunciation:
Regularly listening to native speakers aids in understanding
natural pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. This exposure helps learners refine their
speaking skills.
Enhanced Listening Comprehension:
Podcast episodes range in complexity, allowing
students to gradually increase their listening comprehension abilities by selecting content that
matches their skill level.
Choosing the Right Podcasts for Learning
Selecting the appropriate podcasts is crucial for an effective learning experience. Here are
some guidelines to consider:
Interest Alignment:
Choose podcasts that align with personal interests, such as
technology, culture, or storytelling, to maintain motivation and engagement.
Language Level:
Start with podcasts designed for ESL learners or those featuring slower
speech and clear articulation. Gradually progress to more complex content as skills improve.
Host’s Accent:
Initially, select podcasts with hosts who speak with a clear and easily
understandable accent. Over time, diversify the range of accents to build a broader auditory
comprehension.
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Availability of Transcripts:
Some podcasts offer transcripts, which can be immensely
helpful for understanding and following along, especially for beginners.
Once you’ve found a podcast you like, what can you do with it?
As a student, try these activities:
Read the short summary of the podcast. Predict three things you think the presenters will
talk about. Listen and check.
Choose ten words, phrases or collocations you think the presenters will use. Play bingo.
How many did you hear? If you listen to the same podcasts regularly, you will start to notice the
same phrases appearing again and again.
Play two minutes of the podcast. Stop and predict what you will hear next. Continue
listening. Were you correct? Repeat this at a few different points in the podcast.
Listen to the whole podcast without stopping. Write a short summary of what you heard,
or record an audio summary of it. Listen again and see if you can add any extra information.
Repetition will improve your confidence.
Choose a piece of grammar you’d like to improve, like the present perfect. Focus on
listening for it. How many times did you hear it? What contexts is it used in?
Listen and repeat what a speaker is saying. Mumble it under your breath. Repeating this
a few times can really help your pronunciation.
As a teacher, you could use podcasts in the classroom or for homework.
Use a clip from a podcast to introduce a new topic. For example, if you’re talking about the
environment, try something from BBC’s Costing the Earth series. For a topic on identity, search
for programmes from the BBC Identity series from spring 2016.
Play a clip from a coursebook listening, then one from a podcast designed for native
speakers. Students should think about the differences between the two, for example the speed
of speech, turn-taking, and how easy it is to distinguish different speakers. They can then assess
how easy it is to understand, and you can offer ways they can work on the areas they had the
most trouble with.
Use excerpts from podcasts to focus on features of connected speech. You can clip them
using free software such as Audacity or
online. This works well as a mini dictation
activity.
Ask students to choose a podcast to listen to for homework. You could give them some
guidance or allow them to choose anything they like. For the first ten minutes of the following
lesson, students talk about the podcasts they listened to, why they chose it, how easy or difficult
it was to understand, and whether they learnt anything from it (language or topic-related).
Doing this regularly works as part of an extensive listening scheme.
A few tips:
As a student, don’t be depressed if you find a podcast difficult to understand at first. Some
presenters speak very quickly, and there may be concepts you have not heard before. You have
two choices: keep listening and be patient – it may take time, but you will start to understand
more; alternatively, choose a different podcasts – there are plenty out there!
Listen to the same podcast a few times. You’ll notice a lot more language the second and
third time you hear it.
As a teacher, think carefully about the level and speed of the language in the podcasts you
select. They can also often contain a lot of cultural information that may be very challenging for
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students if they are unfamiliar with podcasts or have not had much exposure to authentic
materials. Introduce them slowly and consider your aims carefully.
Top Recommended Podcasts for ESL Learners
While there are countless podcasts to choose from, here are some recommendations that
cater specifically to ESL learners:
ESL Pod:
This podcast features dialogues and discussions on everyday situations,
making it ideal for beginner and intermediate learners.
BBC Learning English:
Offers a variety of podcasts focusing on language skills,
grammar, and useful expressions. The episodes are short, making them easily digestible.
Luke’s English Podcast:
Hosted by Luke Thompson, this podcast covers a wide range of
topics with a focus on natural and conversational English.
All Ears English:
A friendly and engaging podcast that helps learners improve their
listening and speaking skills through real-life conversations and cultural insights.
The English We Speak:
Produced by the BBC, this series focuses on colloquial phrases
and expressions used in daily English conversation.
Conclusion:
Incorporating podcasts into ESL learning routines can significantly enhance
listening skills and overall language proficiency. With a wide range of content, flexibility, and
the opportunity to hear authentic language in use, podcasts offer an engaging and effective tool
for learners. By choosing the right podcasts, setting specific goals, and actively engaging with
the content, learners can make substantial progress in their English listening abilities. Embrace
the world of podcasts and unlock your potential to understand and communicate more fluently
in English. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can effectively enhance your
listening skills while enjoying diverse content from the podcasting world.
References:
1.
Teshaboyeva, N., & Mamayoqubova, S. (2020). COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH TO
LANGUAGE TEACHING. In МОЛОДОЙ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬ: ВЫЗОВЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ (pp.
409-414).
2.
Teshaboyeva,
N.
(2020).
LINGUISTIC
PERSONALITY,
ITS
STRUCTURAL
CHARACTERISTICS IN THE NEW PERSPECTIVE DIRECTIONS. In МОЛОДОЙ
ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬ: ВЫЗОВЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ (pp. 415-420).
3.
Teshaboyeva, N. Z. (2019). TEACHING ENGLISH THROUGH LITERATURE INTESL AND
TEFL CLASSROOMS. In СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ,
ДОСТИЖЕНИЯ И ИННОВАЦИИ (pp. 82-84).
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Хидирова, Д., & Тешабоева, Н. (2022). Pedagogical conditions for the development of the
healthy thinking in students. Zamonaviy innovatsion tadqiqotlarning dolzarb muammolari va
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Gaybullayeva, N. D. K., & Kizi, T. N. Z. (2022). THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR
LISTENING COMPREHENSION IN TEACHING LANGUAGE LEARNERS FOREIGN LANGUAGES
AND MAINLY ENGLISH. Central Asian Research Journal for Interdisciplinary Studies
(CARJIS), 2(10), 8-10.
6.
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydulla qizi, Jurayev Muhammadrahim Murod o’g’li, & Mamirova
Munisa Rajab qizi. (2021). Language Learning Culturally and the Role of Literature in Teaching
Process. Central Asian Journal of Theoretical and Applied Science, 2(3), 1-5. Retrieved from 84
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Teshaboyeva, N. (2023). THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM IN PRESENT DAY. Журнал
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