Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose

Learning a second language through listening skills is not an easy task, as learners have to consume content and linguistic knowledge at the same time during listening. Utilization of authentic materials is much more convenient and easier with the advancements of modern communication tools like vide...

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Main Author: Wafa Alamri
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1611308/full
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author Wafa Alamri
author_facet Wafa Alamri
author_sort Wafa Alamri
collection DOAJ
description Learning a second language through listening skills is not an easy task, as learners have to consume content and linguistic knowledge at the same time during listening. Utilization of authentic materials is much more convenient and easier with the advancements of modern communication tools like videos, podcasts, and TED talks, thereby leaving a positive impact on the learner. This study addresses the research gap in using authentic listening materials by focusing on the challenges and benefits associated with authentic materials when used in, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. A narrative literature review was carried out using articles from various databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ERIC. The findings showed that although authentic materials support motivation and real-life communication, these authentic materials can be uncomfortable to use for reasons of cultural differences, background knowledge, and cognitive load. The study concludes that despite the limitations of authentic materials, these resources can be pedagogically valuable when implemented carefully and considerably.
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spelling doaj-art-764de2d242a04697b3e8858d6339ed8b2025-08-20T04:01:01ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-08-011010.3389/feduc.2025.16113081611308Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purposeWafa AlamriLearning a second language through listening skills is not an easy task, as learners have to consume content and linguistic knowledge at the same time during listening. Utilization of authentic materials is much more convenient and easier with the advancements of modern communication tools like videos, podcasts, and TED talks, thereby leaving a positive impact on the learner. This study addresses the research gap in using authentic listening materials by focusing on the challenges and benefits associated with authentic materials when used in, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. A narrative literature review was carried out using articles from various databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ERIC. The findings showed that although authentic materials support motivation and real-life communication, these authentic materials can be uncomfortable to use for reasons of cultural differences, background knowledge, and cognitive load. The study concludes that despite the limitations of authentic materials, these resources can be pedagogically valuable when implemented carefully and considerably.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1611308/fullauthentic listening materialsEnglish as a foreign language (EFL)language learninglistening comprehensionEFL learnersmotivation
spellingShingle Wafa Alamri
Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
Frontiers in Education
authentic listening materials
English as a foreign language (EFL)
language learning
listening comprehension
EFL learners
motivation
title Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
title_full Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
title_fullStr Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
title_short Evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in EFL context for listening purpose
title_sort evaluating the benefits and challenges of using authentic materials in efl context for listening purpose
topic authentic listening materials
English as a foreign language (EFL)
language learning
listening comprehension
EFL learners
motivation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1611308/full
work_keys_str_mv AT wafaalamri evaluatingthebenefitsandchallengesofusingauthenticmaterialsineflcontextforlisteningpurpose