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

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the impact of using authentic WhatsApp material in enhancing EFL learners' listening skills in out-of-classroom settings. The research used a mixed-methods design, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data from students through 2 questionnaires, 1 observation sheet, and a teacher interview. It was held at one of the High schools in Tena, Ecuador in a classroom with students in 2nd-year senior high school (B1 level), the class consisted of 26 students, and they had the opportunity to improve their listening skills through a variety of videos with authentic pronunciation that were sent via WhatsApp. The aspects that were considered for the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data were the students perceptions towards using authentic materials through WhatsApp and the advantages and disadvantages of integrating WhatsApp into EFL out-of-classroom settings to improve listening skills. In conclusion, participants found WhatsApp to be a valuable tool for language acquisition and with proper feedback can enhance their listening skills in the EFL classroom. However, students sometimes struggled to comprehend the given activities.