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

Abstract

Abstract: This research paper, entitled "The Use of Authentic Materials via WhatsApp in the Teaching of Listening Skills in Out-of-Class English Language Settings," explores the impact of using authentic materials such as WhatsApp to improve English listening skills outside of the classroom. This research was conducted at a Public Educational Unit in the city of Riobamba with 11 high school students with English levels A2 and B1 according to the Common European Framework. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection. The instruments used were a questionnaire for the students, a questionnaire focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using authentic materials via WhatsApp, an interview guide for a teacher, and an observation sheet. A WhatsApp group was also created through which six listening workshops were held. These workshops consisted of reviewing a YouTube video accompanied by a five-question questionnaire. Finally, the results showed that students significantly improved their listening skills by incorporating activities based on the use of authentic materials via WhatsApp.