THE ROLE OF PODCASTS AND ONLINE MEDIA IN IMPROVING LISTENING SKILLS OF ENGLISH LEARNERS
Keywords:
Podcasts; Online Media; English Listening Skills; Integrative teaching; Second language acquisitionAbstract
Listening comprehension is a persistent challenge for English learners, as traditional classroom materials often lack authentic, natural speech. Podcasts and online media have become accessible, flexible tools that expose learners to real-world English, varied accents, and interactive content. This paper examines their role in enhancing listening skills within an integrative pedagogical framework. Drawing on second language acquisition theory and existing research, it discusses benefits such as increased authentic input, motivation, and learner autonomy, alongside challenges in material selection and classroom implementation. The paper concludes that podcasts and online media, when integrated thoughtfully, complement traditional instruction and support learners’ listening development.
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