The use of authentic material through WhatsApp in teaching listening skills in EFL out-of-classroom settings

Abstract

Abstract: The present study titled, The use of authentic material through WhatsApp in teaching listening skills in EFL out-of-classroom settings, aims to determine the impact of using authentic material delivered through WhatsApp in enhancing the listening skills of EFL learners in out-of-classroom settings. This study was conducted in a private educational institution in Quito, Ecuador, with 30 students in the second year of bachillerato at the B1 level of English. A mixed methodology was used that includes obtaining qualitative and quantitative data. The instruments were questionnaire on students perception, questionnaire regarding the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing authentic content via WhatsApp, a questionanire to the teacher, and an observation sheet. Additionally, a WhatsApp group was created in which six listening activities were implemented for the students using videos as authentic material in conjunction with questioning activities. The results revealed that the students perceived the activities conducted with authentic material via WhatsApp to be beneficial in improving their listening skills.