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

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of using authentic material via WhatsApp on improving listening skills in EFL contexts outside the classroom. The research was conducted in a school with 11 students aged 15-16 at A2/B1 level of English. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using two surveys, a teacher interview and observations during the intervention phase. Six videos with their respective listening activities were sent to the students over three weeks. The students received feedback in the form of an audio message from their teacher. The study reveals that authentic materials, particularly videos sent via WhatsApp, significantly improve listening skills by exposing students to real-life language and various accents: WhatsApp's user-friendly interface and interactive features foster student engagement and motivation. However, concerns were noted about potential distractions, highlighting the need for clear guidelines on appropriate use. The research highlights the effectiveness of WhatsApp in providing timely feedback and extending learning beyond the classroom. The results suggest that integrating authentic materials through WhatsApp can create dynamic learning experiences, improving students listening proficiency and language acquisition in EFL contexts.