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Using mobiles for learner-centred listening lessons

Researcher: Alex Wood, English Language Centre

Overview

I'm experimenting with the use of mobile phones in listening lessons. The overall aim is to make some stages onf listening lessons more learner-centred/learner-directed. 

Technique

  • In an otherwise normal listening lesson, the technique involves sharing the lesson's audio/video with the students so that, at whichever lesson stage is appropriate, they can individually take control over the listening on their mobiles. 
  • I'm experimenting with different orders for the 'mobile listening' vs 'PC listening' stages, e.g gist listening with the PC, followed by detailed listening on mobiles
  • I've also experimented wih giving students an answer key and having them self-correct/self-diagnose problems by listening again on mobiles

Rationale

  • I would hope that the technique increases agency, responsibilty, motivation, differentiation (as students work at their own pace and on their own problems) and memorability (if students self-correct)
  • It seems to allow a more in depth discussion of individual students's difficultires and therefore allows for a more effective diagnosis of their listening problems

Evaluation and Future Plans

I'm informally experimenting with the technique at the moment to see, subjectively, how/when/where it seems to be most effective. I'll consider formalising this a little more, perhaps in some action research, at some point in the future. 

 

 

 

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