Lecture: The Importance of Listening to International Students
Introduction
- Speaker: Professor Tony Lynch
- Background:
- MA in Modern Languages, Cambridge University
- Diploma in Teaching English, University of Leeds
- MSc and PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Edinburgh
- Current Role: Head of English for Academic Purposes section
Career Highlights
- Teaching since 1980 at the University of Edinburgh
- Roles: Tutor, Teaching Fellow, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Professor
- Authored three influential books on language teaching:
- Listening
- Study Speaking
- Study Listening
- Researched effective communication between native and non-native English speakers in academic settings
Lecture Focus
- Topic: Listening comprehension for non-native English speakers in university settings
- Key Themes:
- Importance of listening for international students
- Methods to improve lecture accessibility
Listening Comprehension Framework
- Three Levels of Knowledge:
- Schematic Knowledge: Understanding topic/content and communication process
- Contextual Information: Situational context, co-text, and visual cues
- Language Knowledge: Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation
Challenges in Listening
- Examples:
- Misunderstanding of language nuances in native and non-native contexts
- Over-reliance on language knowledge in foreign language listening
- Contextual misunderstandings
Adjustments in Communication
- Types of Adjustments:
- Input Adjustments: Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, non-verbal cues
- Interaction Adjustments: Confirmation checks, comprehension checks, clarification requests, repetitions, reformulation, completions, and backtracking
- Information Choice Adjustments: Descriptive details, logical links, sociocultural knowledge
Research Examples
- Illustrated with stories and studies from his interactions, such as the “monkey and hat seller” story
- Adjustments made by native speakers to accommodate different levels of listener proficiency
Listening Comprehension Issues
- Complexity of listening comprehensions and potential areas of failure
- Cooperation in two-way interactions between listeners and speakers
Academic and Social Impacts of Listening Skills
- Challenges for international students in grasping academic content and forming social bonds
- Psychological impact and confidence issues due to poor listening skills
- Tension between roles of student and language learner
Strategies for Improving Listening Skills
- Advice to practice conversational repair techniques and informal listening strategies
- Importance of social interactions and listening in informal settings
Survey on Listening and Speaking Encounters
- Insights from a survey of 105 postgraduate students
- Time spent on listening and talking correlated with perceived progress in listening skills
Students' Advice to Incoming Peers
- Personal anecdotes highlighting the need for English practice and social integration
Perceptions of Lecture Accessibility
- Survey of 126 international students on lecture delivery
- Key advice for lecturers: control speed, identify signs of difficulty, use accessible examples, create a relaxed atmosphere, and encourage questions
Institutional Adjustments for Effective Learning
- Possible reductions in lecture content to accommodate listening needs
- Encouraging online supplementary materials and structured opportunities for questions
Conclusion
- Emphasized the need for academic conversations rather than just delivering lectures
- Urged adjustments to ensure inclusivity of international students in the learning process
##Q&A Session Highlights
- Questions on addressing self-segregation among international students, practical advice for distance learners, and historical perspective on specific listening tests.
Reception
- Invitation to a reception for further engagement and discussion
This lecture underscores the vital role of listening comprehension for international students and offers insights on enhancing educational practices to support their academic and social success.