USING PODCASTS TO IMPROVE ESL LISTENING AND NOTE-TAKING SKILLS
Keywords:
Podcasts, ESL, listening comprehension, note-taking, authentic materials, digital learning, language skills development, learner autonomy.Abstract
Podcasts have emerged as a valuable and flexible tool for enhancing listening comprehension and note-taking skills in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. This article explores how podcast-based instruction improves learners’ ability to process spoken input, develop auditory memory, and organize information effectively. Drawing on current pedagogical research and case studies from ESL programs, particularly in non-English-speaking contexts like Uzbekistan, this study highlights the pedagogical value of podcasts in promoting authentic language exposure, learner autonomy, and multimodal engagement. The article also examines practical techniques such as guided listening, pre-listening tasks, and transcript-based activities that foster both linguistic competence and active listening habits. Although technological access and student motivation remain challenges, findings from various studies demonstrate that consistent podcast integration positively impacts ESL students’ academic and communicative performance. The article concludes by offering recommendations for educators on how to incorporate podcasts into listening curricula to meet the evolving demands of language learners in a digital age.
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