Using Songs to Reduce Listening Anxiety and Support Listening Skills in Efl Learners

Abstract

Abstract:This study, titled "Using Songs to Reduce Listening Anxiety and Support Listening Skills," aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using songs to reduce anxiety and improve listening comprehension skills among students learning English as a foreign language. The research was conducted at a public secondary school in the province of Loja and incorporated both quantitative analysis using numerical data to measure anxiety and qualitative analysis examining students' perceptions, experiences, and opinions regarding the use of songs. The sample consisted of fifty-three first-year secondary school students. Data collection instruments included an anxiety scale, a student questionnaire, students' reflective journals, and a semi-structured interview. The results indicated that the students experience a moderate level of anxiety. It was also observed that incorporating songs into English listening comprehension activities neither reduced nor increased anxiety; however, it did help improve listening comprehension, as it serves as an innovative method compared to more traditional approaches.