Arab Educational Information Network

The major aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of using songs in improving the listening comprehension skills of young learners in primary cycles. This research will specifically investigate to what extent songs can contribute to the development of young learners’ listening comprehension abilities. The research will be carried out through the use of structured interview with English language teachers, pre-tests and post-tests and a questionnaire that reflect young learners’ attitude towards using songs. The data will be analyzed using Word Office 2010 to determine the best statistical technique to be used to test the hypotheses and to interpret the results. The research shows that sufficient time is not being devoted to listening comprehension activities in the teaching of foreign languages at Lebanese public schools and that students are unable to reach the targets about listening comprehension mentioned in the curriculum. It is concluded in this study that the development of listening skills should be given priority in the Lebanese curriculum context and that the use of songs as listening materials should be promoted. This is a preliminary survey research and it is hoped that it will give an opportunity to teachers to realize that songs help improve young learners’ listening comprehension skills. From the survey, it has been discovered that the use of songs not only helps the students’ understanding, but also stimulates and increases their interest in learning, enjoying and engaging in the learning process. Future researchers should extend this research to other samples in other localities. (Author's abstract)