Abstract

In foreign language learning, students’ ability in listening comprehension is one of the focal points of education. For English major students, when he is listening to a dialogue, he needs to retell the listening material and give a deep insight into its content. Abundant accumulation of vocabulary and syntax must be possessed by students. What counts is to have some skills and strategies.

Based on a questionnaire and the corresponding research, the writer figures out the barriers in English listening comprehension can be divided into four parts: basic language knowledge, mother tongue interference, psychological factors and cultural background knowledge. Afterwards, from the aspects of teachers and students, the writer put forward effective learning and teaching strategies. The research aims at finding that by using useful learning strategies such as lowing anxiety and building up confidence, students can achieve remarkable enhancement in the proficiency and competence of listening. Additionally, some teaching strategies existing in improving teachers listening teaching are illustrated in the essay. 

Key words: listening comprehension; barriers; learning strategies; English Majors

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction.1

1.1Background of the study1

1.2Purpose of the study.1

1.3Significance of the study2

1.4Framework of the study.2

2.Literature Review3

2.1Studies related to listening comprehension3

2.2Studies related to listening learning barriers.4

2.3Studies related to listening strategies5

3.Barriers Encountering in Listening Comprehension.5

3.1Basic language knowledge.5

3.1.1 Pronunciation.7

3.1.2 Vocabulary7

3.1.3 Speed.9

3.1.4 Text length.9

3.2Mother tongue interference.9

3.3Psychological factors.10

3.4Cultural background knowledge.10 

4. Strategies for Overcoming the Barriers10

4.1 Students’ role.11

4.1.1 Being an active listener11 

4.1.2 Lowing anxiety and building up confidence.12

4.1.3 Piling up background knowledge.12

4.1.4 Raising awareness of using listening strategies.13

4.2 Teachers’ role13

4.2.1 Arranging listening training14

4.2.1.1 Pronunciation training.14

4.2.2.2 Vocabulary training.14 

4.2.2.3 Grammar training15

4.2.2 Making a good lesson plan15

4.2.3 Reforming traditional listening teaching16 

4.2.4 Developing students’ listening strategies17

4.2.4.1 Taking notes18

4.2.4.2 Making predictions.19 

5. Conclusion20 

References22

Appendix.23