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

Abstract

Abstract: This research aimed to determine the impact of using authentic material delivered through WhatsApp in enhancing the listening skills of EFL learners in out-of-classroom settings. The study was conducted in a private educational institution in Manta City, involving ten second-year Bachillerato students and an EFL teacher. A mixed-methods approach was employed to gather and analyze the data. Data from surveys, observations, and interviews were compiled and analyzed using Google Forms. The results were presented in two separate tables: Table 1 displays students' perceptions of using WhatsApp to improve listening skills, highlighting its effectiveness and engagement. Meanwhile, table 2 outlines the broader impacts of WhatsApp use in EFL settings, focusing on both the advantages and challenges of using the platform outside the classroom. The study found that sharing authentic videos via WhatsApp significantly improves students listening skills, fosters meaningful participation in listening tasks, facilitates the recognition of specific spoken language elements, and boosts confidence in using English for real-world communication.