Listening Strategies

1. Listen regularly. In addition to language tapes, make a regular effort to listen to the foreign language outside the classroom. Listen to the radio, attend lectures, and watch TV and films.

2. Choose appropriate materials. Find materials specially prepared for teaching listening comprehension such as textbooks and videos. Then try finding authentic material such as radio and TV programs, lectures, films and plays.

3. Find the right level of difficulty. If you are a beginning or intermediate learner, start with video rather than audio materials. Start with short TV segments on familiar topics. Advanced learners can listen to more complex materials.

4. Choose material that you will enjoy. If you are interested in sports, watch sports on TV or listen to sports reports. If you enjoy comedies, watch them in the foreign language.

Strategies for Developing Listening Skills

1. Let the speaker know that you are not following.

2. Ask for repetition.

3. Ask your conversational partner to slow down.

4. Seek clarification.

5. Rephrase.

6. Repeat.

7. Pay attention to intonation and tone of voice.

8. Use visual clues.

9. Use your background knowledge.

10. Use your information for the segment itself.

11. Determine the situation in the segment.

12. Listen to familiar elements.

13. Listen to repeated words and phrases.

14. Learn to recognize proper names.

15. Concentrate on familiar elements.

16. Keep listening.