TED Talks as an Extensive Listening Resource for EAP Students

Abstract

This study examines how TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Talks, used as an extensive listening material, affected college students ’ listening skills, and explores strategies to tailor the activity for lower-proficiency students. The qualitative data analysis, based on two surveys and students ’ journal entries, indicates that students felt the lectures improved their listening comprehension, enhanced their motivation, and accustomed them to listening to a variety of English accents. Finally, assisting students to select lectures appropriate to their comprehension levels and conducting various types of scaffolding activities for lower proficiency students are discussed.