A study on the challenges of implementing listening skills: A case of Dubti Secondary and Preparatory School in Focus, in Afar Region

Abstract

Listening ability is one of the important skills in foreign language learning, there has been relatively little research in this specific area. The overall purpose of the study is to explore the challenges of listening problems encountered by grade 11 students at Dubti secondary and Preparatory School, in Afar region. The study has employed cross sectional descriptive study design. Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were employed to collect the data from respondents. To this end, survey questionnaires were distributed to English teachers and grade 11 students of Dubti secondary and Preparatory School Thus, in total, 70 participants have completed the survey questionnaires. Besides, four school managements were engaged in interview. Data generated from the survey were analyzed using frequency and percentage data analysis techniques. On the other hand, the data obtained from the interview were analyzed using qualitative techniques. The finding obtained from the survey indicates that lack of concentration, anxiety, lack of grammar knowledge and bad qualities of recording were the major listening skill problems that encountered the students. This study therefore, concludes by forwarding relevant interventions and recommendation like understanding students’ difficulties, improving listening comprehension strategies and teaching-learning techniques which may enable English teachers to help students develop effective learning strategies and ultimately improve their English listening abilities.