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

Abstract

Abstract:The present research investigates the use of authentic materials delivered through WhatsApp to enhance listening skills in EFL learners outside the classroom. The study aims to determine the impact of these materials on improving listening skills of EFL learners in out-of-classroom settings. The research took place in a private high school in the city of Loja, Ecuador. The participants were five female and five male (ten total) EFL students of second year of high school (B1 level) and their English teacher. This research used a mixed-method approach. The techniques used were survey, observation, and interview. Among the instruments used were a questionnaire including six open-ended questions aimed to know teacher opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of the use of authentic material through WhatsApp; two questionaries, ten items each, with the purpose to collect students opinions about advantages and disadvantages of using authentic material through WhatsApp and an observation sheet for the researcher to be completed during the intervention. In conclusion, the study revealed positive results on students listening skills performance using authentic materials through WhatsApp in out-of-classroom settings.