A Comparison of the Listening Abilities of Grade Nine Students with the Listening Level Required Of Them in Understanding Their Plasma Lesson: Harar Senior Secondary School in Focus
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was meant to find out if there is a gap between the actual listening abilities of
ninth grade students and the listening level required of them in understa nding the
plasma lesson. Based on th is a null (Ha) and an alternate (Ha) hypothesis were made.
The null hypothesis says there is no significant difference between the actual and the
expected listening abilities of the students. The (Ha) stresses that the reverse is
possible. Then these hypothesis were tested using a ch i-squire (X2) test. The resu lt of
the chi-squire (X2) test rejects the (Ha).
The main research instrument was the listening ability test. To achieve the stated
objectives three different teachers' lessons (Biology, Maths, and Physics) were
recorded, transcribed and analyzed to determine the levels and type of language
functions used. A modified form of Sinclair and Coulthard's, (1975) system of analysis
was adopted for the analysis. This analysis revealed the type of language functions
that has to be tested. Then , four types of tests were set. The first three were content
based the fourth one was general listening ability test. The tests were used to assess
the students abilities in the language functions and th eir strength and weakness in
using strategies.
To sUbstantiate the collected data , through listening ability tests, unstructured
observation was also conducted . This data helps to find out some factors that affect the
students listening comprehension.
The result showed that the actual listen ing ability of the students was below the level
expected of them: The students are weak in :
Understandi ng the gist
Predicting the coming ideas
Identifying specific functions of description, cause and effect, genera lization ,
comparison and contrast, and purpose.
The findings led to the formulation of possible recommendations. It is hoped that the
recommendations could possibly help to bridge the gap between the actual and the
expected listening abilities of the students.
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Keywords
Comparison, Listening Abilities