THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PODCASTS IN DEVELOPING EFL LISTENING SKILLS

The present study explores the effectiveness of podcasts as an innovative tool for improving listening skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Given the increasing role of digital media in education, podcasts offer a flexible and engaging alternative to traditional listening exercises. This paper examines how podcasts contribute to EFL learners’ listening comprehension, motivation, and overall language acquisition. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining pre-test and post-test assessments with surveys and interviews. The findings indicate that regular exposure to podcast-based learning materials significantly enhances learners’ ability to understand spoken English, particularly in terms of accent recognition, speech rate adaptation, and contextual comprehension. Furthermore, podcasts promote autonomous learning by allowing students to control their pace and choose topics based on their interests. The study concludes that incorporating podcasts into EFL curricula can effectively bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world language use.