Web listening |Lesson 1 - Golf | Lesson 2 - Time| Lesson 3 - Search | BBC World | BBC English Learning

TESOL 2003: Hearing Every Voice: Event number #2827:

Technology, techniques, and materials for Web listening

Topics:

• Listening theory and practice in relation to using the web

• Sample lessons

Listening theory:

Listening comprehension is an interaction between two general groups of processes that depend on memory:

• Bottom up: Perception / Decoding / Word identification (Sound system, Syntax)
• Top down: Word identification / Prediction / Comprehension / Response (Semantics, Pragmatics, World Knowledge)

Memory is reconstructive. The groups of processes support each other. Lack of skill with the sound system may limit comprehension or the effectiveness of predictions. Lack of familiarity with semantics, concepts or culture may limit perception.

Listening practice and the web:

The web allows repeated practice with a variety of authentic materials that can supplement and transcend what students receive in class or in their local communities.

Implications: Good web listening lessons:

• Are organized: The web draws people in. So, set a task. Make a task sheet. Have a goal. Do pre- and post-listening.
• Give comprehension help: Group students. Talk first; listen second; then, talk again.
• Supplement: Build on your text or the interests of your class. Follow up on listening through homework, e-mail and discussion.
• Challenge students: Use authentic English, even if it’s a bit fast, noisy, accented or difficult in terms of topic
• Are oriented to the global village: Use the computer to localize “foreign” languages. Introduce in class. Practice at home
• Build listening skills: Exchange e-mail about listening. Practice now; perfect later. Assign projects.

Sample lesson 1: Supplementing a text: "Talk it Through!": Golf Course Construction in San Antonio, TX

Sample lesson 2:: Introducing Web Listening: Conversations about Time

Notes to accompany Conversations about Time

Sample lesson 3: Thematic listening from multiple sites

Recommended additional sites: BBC World Service

BBC English Learning

(March 2003)

Web listening |Lesson 1 - Golf | Lesson 2 - Time| Lesson 3 - Search | BBC World | BBC English Learning