Listening Comprehension Skill Problems that Face University Students at Faculty of Arts, Zliten

Abstract

Though listening ability is one of the most important skills in foreign language learning, there has been relatively little research in this specific area. When listening to a second language, many language students face listening difficulties. Second language learners have significant problems in listening comprehension because of the fact that teachers pay more attention to structure, writing, reading and vocabulary. Listening is not an important part of many course books or syllabus and most teachers do not attach importance to listening while preparing their lesson plan. A great number of teachers believe that it will develop naturally within the language learning process and they will learn unconsciously. The present study attempts to investigate the listening problems encountered by a group of students at Alasmarya Islamic University. This study was carried out with the participation of students. Data was gathered by means of questionnaire. The results of the study showed that accent, pronunciation, speed of speech, insufficient vocabulary, different accent of speakers, lack of concentration, anxiety, and bad quality of recording were the major listening comprehension problems encountered by EFL learners. Understanding students' learning difficulties may enable EFL teachers to help students develop effective learning strategies and ultimately improve their English listening abilities. Suggestions are made for addressing problems regarding how teachers can help their students overcome listening comprehension problems.