A child's ability to comprehend speech in the mainstream classroom is vital for intellectual and social development. However, listening conditions are often sub-optimal; the presence of multiple talkers, high noise levels, and long reverberation times add to the challenge of listening with a developing auditory system. An assessment that captures…

This study revisits the roles of different aspects of phonological vocabulary knowledge in second language (L2) listening. Japanese learners of English (n = 114) completed the TOEIC Listening test and three phonological vocabulary tests assessing (a) ability to recognize the meanings of aural forms (meaning recognition), (b) ability to recall the…

English holds a dominant position in the L2 context, particularly for programs aimed at developing composite English skills. Despite this, the influence of individual differences on listening comprehension within the business English framework remains underexplored. Therefore, this study investigates the structural relationships among second…

This study applied the Mixed Rasch Model (MRM) to the listening comprehension section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to detect latent class differential item functioning (DIF) by exploring multiple profiles of second/foreign language listeners. Item responses of 462 examinees to an IELTS listening test were subjected…

Listening comprehension results are affected by various individual difference factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between metacognitive awareness, listening anxiety, and EFL listening comprehension. To this end, data from the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ), Foreign Language Listening Anxiety Scale (FLLAS),…

Listening is a major challenge for many English-as-a-foreign language (EFL) learners. Decoding training, which helps learners develop the ability to recognize words from speech, is frequently used to assist EFL learners. Although recent empirical studies on decoding training have provided positive evidence on its effectiveness in improving EFL…

There has been much debate in assessment research about the inclusion of Global English accents in high-stakes listening tests. This study explored test-takers' attitudes toward the inclusion of different English accents in the Duolingo English Test (DET) 2021 test version and their associations with listening test scores. One hundred sixty…

Text comprehension can be facilitated in many ways, including enabling the listener to see pictures illustrating the story, to read along silently, or to read along aloud. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any of these three supports facilitated text comprehension in adults with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD).…

Conducted in a French private school in Chile, this action research study aims to explore the contribution of video-based listening activities from the ESL video website in supporting the listening comprehension skills for specific information of a group of 18 fifth graders. The results of a pre- and post-intervention test used to identify…

Research on the effects of second language (L2) listening strategy instruction (SI) has gained momentum in recent years (e.g. Vandergrift & Tafaghodtari, 2010). However, the reported results have been inconclusive and varied across studies. Synthesizing the results of quantitative research in this domain, the present meta-analysis sought to…

Ageing is associated with elevated pure-tone thresholds, accompanied by increased difficulties in understanding speech-in-noise. While amplification provides important, but insufficient support, auditory-cognitive training (ACT) might propose a solution. However, generalized effects have been scarce, highlighting the necessity of training designs…

The trend of podcast and audiobook listening is on the rise, thus paving the way for a new, popular learning environment. It is crucial to deliberate on the influence of multiple-text listening comprehension. This research aimed to explore the impact of conceptual network processing on multiple-text comprehension performance from the perspective…

Shifting demographics in K-12 schools have increased Spanish-speaking Multi-Language Learners' (MLLs') enrollment across the United States. While literacy variations between MLLs and proficient English speakers have been studied predominantly with upper elementary students, there remains a need for more exploration among early elementary…

Metacognitive instruction supports L2 listening learners to enhance their listening comprehension skill. To date, some review studies have investigated this topic; however, none of them has reported quantitative and qualitative findings in the form of a systematic literature review. This research addresses this gap by collecting, analyzing, and…

We report four experiments investigating the effect of prosody on listening comprehension in 11-13-year-old children. Across all experiments, participants listened to short object descriptions and answered content-based questions about said objects. In Experiments 1-3, the descriptions were read in an emotionally positive or neutral tone of voice.…