The use of authentic material through whatsapp in teaching listening skills in efl out-of-classroom settings

Abstract

Abstract: The present research is entitled "The use of authentic material through WhatsApp in EFL environments outside the classroom." The main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of using authentic material (YouTube videos) shared through WhatsApp in teaching listening skills in English as a foreign language outside the classroom. The research was conducted in an educational institution in the Girón canton, Azuay. The research involved 10 students between 16 and 17 years old with an A1 and A2 level of English and an English teacher. A mixed methodology was used that combines qualitative and quantitative data. The techniques were surveys, observations and interviews. The instruments used were an observation form, a questionnaire for the teacher, a questionnaire on student perceptions and a questionnaire on the advantages and disadvantages of using authentic material sent through WhatsApp. A WhatsApp group was created and six videos were distributed as authentic material for three weeks. Subsequently, listening activities were assigned based on the content of each video, and audio feedback was provided by the teacher. The results showed that students agreed that using authentic WhatsApp material (videos) improved their listening comprehension skills.