Methods of using digital technologies for the development of students’ listening comprehension strategies in higher educational institutions

Abstract

The research is topical because of the mass inclusion of students in the digital world, the importance of listening comprehension in foreign language studies in higher educational institutions, the challenges of distance and blended learning. The aim of the study was to establish the effectiveness of digital technologies (Zoom, YouTube channel, Instagram, Kahoot, Google Forms, Padlet) in the development of listening comprehension skills in students of higher educational institutions (HEIs). The research involved qualitative and quantitative analysis of data, simulation. The author’s programme intended for the development of students’ listening comprehension strategies in HEIs was elaborated and experimentally tested in the course of the research. The implementation of the proposed programme allowed improving the level of respondents’ academic performance in terms of listening comprehension. The programme involved the adequate student participation, a differentiated approach, the variability of digital technologies used (Zoom, YouTube channel, Instagram, Kahoot, Google Forms, Padlet), providing opportunities for creativity. The programme implementation resulted in the increased number of students with excellent grades in listening comprehension by 11.7%, with good grades — by 25%. The study confirmed the positive attitude of students to the use of digital technologies in foreign language learning, outlined the conditions for the development of students’ listening comprehension strategies in HEIs. The research results can be used to develop students’ listening comprehension skills in distance or blended learning. The prospect for the further research is the application of the obtained results to the development of students’ skills in other types of speech activity in foreign language classes. A separate area of research is the study of the impact of digital technologies on the development of students’ foreign language competence and the preparation of methodological advice for foreign language teachers.