Listening Activities (Introduction, Definitions, and Resources) Teacher Training Program Winter Peter Daley

Authentic Vs Nonauthentic Listening. Nonauthentic materials are materials created specifically for language learners: text book dialogues, simplification of authentic materials etc. Authentic materials are materials gathered from authentic or real sources: news, speeches, public announcements, telephone conversations etc. What are the advantages & disadvantages of using authentic and nonauthentic materials?

Listening Processes The “bottom-up” process model assumes that we process information as we hear it in a linear fashion and then gain meaning at the end. Meaning Utterances Phrases Words Phonemic Units

Listening Processes The “top-down” process model suggests that we construct meaning using other incoming sounds & clues. We use the situation, context, and prior knowledge of the speakers & their relationships to help us process meaning. Imagine looking down at a map. We orientate ourselves with familiar landmarks before zooming in on the relevant part of the map.

Reciprocal listening involves dialogues where the role of the student changes from listener to speaker. Here we see a converging of listening skills and speaking skills in the one task, giving the listener the opportunity to check his understanding and clarify meaning with the speaker. I really like using these kinds of activities and will demonstrate to you a few that have worked well in my classes. Reciprocal & Nonreciprocal Listening

Nonreciprocal listening involves listening to monologues, or dialogues between other people with the listener not taking part in the conversation. Reciprocal & Nonreciprocal Listening

Nonauthentic Materials: Breakingnewsenglish.com features topical news stories complete with MP3 recordings and worksheets:Breakingnewsenglish.com

features short conversations about various topicswww.focusenglish.com Non-Authentic Materials:

National Public Radio provides short and long news clips and interviews with transcripts:National Public Radio Authentic Materials:

offers almost limitless access to short news reports, TV clips, movie trailers and more providing visual stimulus to your chosen listening material. Authentic Materials:

Video Example: Movie Trailers MovieTrailers.htmlhttp://iteslj.org/Techniques/Gebhardt- MovieTrailers.html Advantages of using movie trailers: Resources:  Universal appeal.  Short and concise  Present a visual context for listening  Professionally made  Freely available

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More Listening Resources: pronunciation set.html

Resources