Poster Session
Using an Online Platform to Improve Listening Skills in Non-English Majors
Japanese learners of English often excel in reading comprehension because of years of preparation for university entrance exams, emphasizing grammar and vocabulary. However, their listening skills often lag, presenting a significant challenge in language acquisition. A primary reason for this disparity is the lack of exposure to an immersive English environment. While many universities require English proficiency for graduation, traditional classroom instruction alone does not provide enough input for students to develop strong listening skills. Given the limited opportunities for real-life practice, learners need to seek additional resources to enhance their abilities. Online learning platforms offer a practical and accessible way for students to engage in self-directed practice beyond the classroom. Through listening exercises and speech recognition technology, learners can improve their listening comprehension at their own pace. This study explores the integration of English Central to enhance college-level students’ listening proficiency. With limitations such as the number of participants, the results indicate that some participants showed measurable improvements in their TOEIC listening and reading scores. The presenter discusses key findings and the implications for educators incorporating technology-driven approaches to support English listening comprehension. This research aims to share effective teaching methods, not for commercial purposes.