International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Dr. Lydia W. Wangungu
South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kenya
English language in Kenya is important as it is the medium of instruction, among other things, from class four to higher institutions of learning (Revised Teacher Education Syllabus, 2006) Listening on the other hand is a key factor in facilitating language learning because it is the foundation of the other language skills. It is also the skill that facilitates the interaction of the instructor and the learner in any learning situation. Lack of listening competence in English therefore means poor language skills and poor performance in all the subjects taught in English. This paper presents the findings of a comparative study conducted in Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) in Kenya. The study sought to establish the influence of age on the levels of listening competencies in English of primary school teacher trainees in Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya. A sample of 30 male and 30 female trainees was used. Data were collected using three subtests namely dictation, cloze test and listening comprehension. Research findings showed that the younger trainees performed better than the older trainees in most of the tasks. However, generally the trainees lacked the desired competence levels in listening in English.
Introduction: Listening Competences in English
Key Words:
Listening- is used in this study to refer to the selective process of attending to, hearing, understanding and remembering oral symbols.
Competence -refers to having the skill, ability or power to do what is needed. It is used in this study synonymously with “sub skills”.
English -the medium of instruction from class four to higher institutions of learning
Most people sincerely believe that they listen effectively. Consequently, they do not see the need to develop their listening skills (Bwire, 2007). However, listening effectively is something that very few of us do. It is not that listening effectively is difficult, but rather, most of us just never develop the skill (Wilkinson, 1974). Effective listening is a process that involves actively absorbing the information given by a speaker, showing that you are attentive and providing feedback to the speaker so that he/she knows that the message has been received. Effective listeners show speakers that they have been heard and understood by responding effectively (Barker, 1971).