Students perceptions on their listening comprehension difficulties in EFL classrooms: An Ecuadorian case

Abstract

Abstract: This research is about students' perceptions on their listening comprehension difficulties in EFL classrooms. Its purpose is to find out the factors that affect their listening comprehension. The methods used were quantitative and qualitative. This research was conducted in two private high schools from the city of Machala, Ecuador. The sample consisted of five English teachers and twenty five students from five different classrooms of two private high schools, whose ages were sixteen years old. The techniques used were student' and teachers' surveys, interviews to three students of each classroom and note taking. The instruments used were questionnaires. The results of this research show that the lack of knowledge of English language, the problem to understand speeches when they are full of hesitation and pauses, and the varied accents used by English speakers have been considered the main factors that cause listening comprehension difficulties to EFL learners.