As a Language Teacher and Cambridge English Trainer, I have come to realize students expect us to follow them not only at the beginning of their learning journey, but also in the middle, in the bumpy areas, when having trouble, but most of all on the final steps of their journey. This could be a presentation, an exam or an interview. That is why I know real and purposeful feedback is essential for learners.
Here are some tips that might help you when practicing listening for specific information.
- Give learners a copy of the audioscript.
- Give learners time to compare the script to their answers.
- Ask them to mark their mistakes.
- Ask them why they think they had some wrong answers.
- Write their answers on the board.
- Play the audio again.
- Allow students to identify the specific mistake they had.
- Give a list of possible reasons for their mistakes. Pronunciation difficulties, lack of vocabulary, hastily choosing the first option, getting distracted, etc.
- Discuss the different problems they had with a partner or partners.
- Ask students to write down the unknown vocabulary.
This might be a good time to remind your students about the importance of underlining key words, predicting before the recording starts, not hasting to write the answers while listening, and writing an answer even if they have doubts. Never to leave a blank answer.
Most of all, remember to guide your students in the process and encourage them. They will be able to achieve their personal goal if they feel confident and if they know you are rooting for them.