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

Abstract

Abstract: The study, titled "The Use of Authentic Materials via WhatsApp in Teaching Listening Skills in EFL Out-of-School Settings," explored how the use of authentic materials shared via WhatsApp improves listening skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The research was conducted at a Catholic-fiscomisional educational institution in Loja, Ecuador, with 25 second-year students of the Unified General Baccalaureate (B1) English level. The study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. Instruments included questionnaires on student perceptions, advantages and disadvantages of using authentic content, a teacher-led questionnaire, and an observation sheet. Six activities with authentic videos and questionnaires were also conducted to assess listening comprehension through a WhatsApp group. The results subsequently showed that students positively rated these activities, highlighting the accessibility and relevance of WhatsApp as an educational tool. Finally, this approach proved effective in promoting EFL learning in extracurricular contexts, leveraging digital platforms familiar to students.