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

Abstract

Abstract: This research study, titled "The Use of Authentic Materials via WhatsApp in Teaching EFL Listening Skills Outside the Classroom," aims to determine the impact of using authentic materials shared via WhatsApp on improving EFL students' listening skills outside the classroom. This research study was conducted at a public elementary and high school institution located in Miraflores, Tarifa, Samborondón. Thirteen 15-16 year-old high school EFL students and an English teacher collaborated. This research used a mixed-methods design based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from the instruments used. The data collection techniques were surveys, observations, and interviews. The instruments used to compile the data were a questionnaire based on students' perceptions, a questionnaire assessing individuals' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of this specific topic, an observation sheet used by the researcher, and a survey for the teacher. The most relevant conclusion is that the use of authentic materials is closely related to students' perceptions of their improvement in listening skills.