Teachers' Perspectives on Teaching Listening Skills in Secondary Level English Language Classes

Abstract

Language proficiency involves mastering four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Listening is one of the most essential and intimate skills in teaching and learning English. The purpose of the study was to explore ELT teachers' perspectives of secondary-level English language teachers on teaching listening skills. The study tried to explore the provisions and practices of teaching English listening skills in the secondary school curriculum in Nepal. It was basic qualitative research that used in-depth interviews and document study methods to collect the data. The participants of the study were three secondary-level ELT teachers from three schools in Sainamaina Municipality. Thematic discursive analysis was used in the analysis of the data. The finding of this study revealed that proficient listening contributes to the development of positive relationships, encourages confidence, facilitates meaningful communication, and improves problem-solving skills. Non-techno-friendly classrooms, untrained teachers, and the predominant use of the mother tongue were major challenges in teaching English in community schools in Nepal. The study focused on the need to improve the technological infrastructure in schools. This could involve integrating audio-visual aids and other technology-enhanced learning tools to facilitate better listening practices.