Developing L2 Listening Comprehension: The Effectiveness of Collaborative Activities

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of collaborative activities in enhancing L2 listening comprehension among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Traditional approaches to teaching listening skills often isolate learners, leading to limited engagement and interaction. In contrast, collaborative activities promote active listening and peer interaction, potentially resulting in improved comprehension skills. The research involved a quasi-experimental design with two groups: an experimental group that engaged in collaborative activities and a control group that received traditional instruction. Pre-test and post-test measures of listening comprehension were administered to both groups. The results revealed that the experimental group showed a significant improvement in listening comprehension scores (M = 75.3, SD = 8.2) compared to the control group (M = 62.5, SD = 7.9), with a mean difference of 12.8 points (p < 0.01). The effect size was calculated to be 0.86, indicating a large impact of collaborative activities on listening comprehension. These findings suggest that incorporating collaborative activities into ESL instruction can substantially enhance learners' listening skills. The study's implications for TESOL practitioners include the adoption of collaborative strategies to foster a more interactive and effective learning environment.