The Effects of Listening Strategy Instruction on Listening Strategy Use and Listening Self-Efficacy of Chinese Non-English-Major Postgraduate Students

Authors

  • Feng-Ming Zhou Nanjing Normal University
  • Swee Heng Chan Universiti Putra Malaysia Holdings
  • Moses Samuel Taylor’s University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1606.09

Keywords:

listening strategy instruction, listening strategy use, listening self-efficacy, Chinese non-English-major (NEM) postgraduate students

Abstract

The present study aimed at exploring the effects of listening strategy instruction on listening strategy use (LSU) and listening self-efficacy (LSE) among Chinese non-English-major (NEM) postgraduate students. To this end, a sample of 78 NEM postgraduate students from two intact classes at a public university in China was selected as the research participants. The two classes were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n=39) and a control group (CG, n=39). The experimental group was instructed with the explicit integrated listening strategy instruction (LSI), while the control group was instructed using the traditional comprehension approach (TCA) without any explicit listening strategy guidance. To assess participants’ listening strategy use and listening self-efficacy, the Listening Strategy Questionnaire (LSQ) and the Listening Self-efficacy Questionnaire (LSEQ) were administered before and after the intervention. The study’s findings revealed that listening strategy instruction significantly enhanced EG learners’ listening strategy use and their listening self-efficacy. The outcomes of this research could provide SL/FL teachers, learners, and curriculum developers with notable insights into teaching listening skills to SL/FL adult learners.

Author Biographies

Feng-Ming Zhou, Nanjing Normal University

School of Foreign Languages and Cultures

Moses Samuel, Taylor’s University

School of Education

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman and Company.

Borhany, M., Tahriri, A., & Tous, M. D. (2015). The impact of explicit, integrated instruction of listening comprehension strategies on EFL learners’ L2 listening comprehension and their overall strategy use. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research, 2(8), 128–144.

Bozorgian, H., & Shamsi, E. (2025). A review of research on metacognitive instruction for listening development. International Journal of Listening, 39(1), 1–16.

Canaran, Ö., Bayram, İ., Doğan, M., & Baturay, M. H. (2024). Causal relationship among the sources of anxiety, self-efficacy, and proficiency in L2 listening. International Journal of Listening, 38(2), 105–117.

Carrier, K. A. (2003). Improving high school English language learners’ second language listening through strategy instruction. Bilingual Research Journal, 27(3), 383–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/15235882.2003.10162600

Chambers, G. (2007). Developing listening skills in the modern foreign language. In N. Pachler & A. Redondo (Eds.), A practical guide to teaching modern foreign languages in the secondary school (pp. 50−57). Routledge.

Chang, P. Y., Hao, M., & Zhang, L. J. (2016). Yuan ren zhi ce lue jiao xue fa dui ying yu ting li ce lue shi yong ji ting li feng ge de ying xiang [The influence of metacognitive strategy teaching method on English listening strategy use and listening style]. Wai yu jie, 174(3), 81−88.

Dalman, M., & Plonsky, L. (2025). The effectiveness of second-language listening strategy instruction: A meta-analysis. Language Teaching Research, 29(3), 1039–1068. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211072981

Dan, Y. (2015). Yi xue yuan fei ying yu zhuan ye yan jiu sheng ying yu ting li ce lue yan jiu [A study on English listening strategies for non-English major postgraduate students in medical colleges]. Tai yuan cheng shi zhi ye ji shu xue yuan xue bao, 6, 86−87.

Dong, J. H., & Li, L. X. (2009). Wo guo ying yu ting li ce lue yan jiu 15 lian [Retrospect and prospect of study on English listening strategies in China in the recent 15 years]. Xi bei nong lin ke ji da xue xue bao (Social science edition), 9(4), 123−126.

Dong, J. H. (2016). A dynamic systems theory approach to development of listening strategy use and listening performance. System, 63, 149–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2016.10.004

Emerick, M. R. (2019). Explicit teaching and authenticity in L2 listening instruction: University language teachers’ beliefs. System, 80, 107–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2018.11.004

Episiasi, Mujiyanto, J., Suwandi, & Hartono, R. (2023). Exploring the effects of metacognitive strategy on EFL students’ listening performance in Indonesia. The New Educational Review, 72, 176–187.

Fathi, J., Derakhshan, A., & Torabi, S. (2020). The effect of listening strategy instruction on second language listening anxiety and self-efficacy of Iranian EFL learners. SAGE Open, 10(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020933878

Field, J. E. (2008). Listening in the language classroom. Cambridge University Press.

Goh, C. C. M. (2002). Exploring listening comprehension tactics and their interaction patterns. System, 30(2), 185–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(02)00004-0

Goh, C. C. M. (2010). Listening as process: Learning activities for self-appraisal and self-regulation. In N. Harwood (Ed.), English language teaching materials: Theory and practice (pp. 179−206). Cambridge University Press.

Goh, C. C. M., & Hu, G. W. (2014). Exploring the relationship between metacognitive awareness and listening performance with questionnaire data. Language Awareness, 23(3), 255–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658416.2013.769558

Goh, C. C. M., & Taib, Y. (2006). Metacognitive instruction in listening for young learners. ELT Journal, 60(3), 222–232. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccl002

Goh, C. C. M., & Vandergrift, L. (2021). Teaching and learning second language listening: Metacognition in action (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429287749

Graham, S. (2006). Listening comprehension: The learners’ perspective. System, 34(2), 165–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2005.11.001

Graham, S. (2007). Learner strategies and self-efficacy: Making the connection. Language Learning Journal, 35(1), 81−93.

Graham, S. (2011). Self-efficacy and academic listening. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 10(2), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2011.04.001

Graham, S. (2017). Research into practice: Listening strategies in an instructed classroom setting. Language Teaching, 50(1), 107–119. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444816000306

Graham, S., & Macaro, E. (2008). Strategy instruction in listening for lower-intermediate learners of French. Language Learning, 58(4), 747–783. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2008.00478.x

Graham, S., & Santos, D. (2013). Selective listening in L2 learners of French. Language Awareness, 22(1), 56–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658416.2011.652634

Graham, S., & Santos, D. (2015). Strategies for second language listening: Current scenarios and improved pedagogy. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137410528

Graham, S., Santos, D., & Vanderplank, R. (2011). Exploring the relationship between listening development and strategy use. Language Teaching Research, 15(4), 435–456. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168811412026

Gu, P. Y., Hu, G. W., & Zhang, L. J. (2009). Listening strategies of Singaporean primary pupils. In R. E. Silver, C. C. M. Goh, & L. Alsagoff (Eds.), Language learning in new English contexts: Studies of acquisition and development (pp. 55−74). Continuum.

Hamouda, A. (2013). An investigation of listening comprehension problems encountered by Saudi students in the EL listening classroom. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2(2), 113–155.

Harris, V. (2007). Exploring progression: reading and listening strategy instruction with near-beginner learners of French. Language Learning Journal, 35(2), 189–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571730701599229

Huang, J., Gu, X., Yao, Y., & Zheng, Y. (2017). The relationship between self-efficacy, perceived use of listening strategies, and listening proficiency: A study of EFL learners in China. Asian EFL Journal, 19(4), 103−131.

Huang, Y. H., & Lin, C. C. (2023). Metacognitive strategy instruction and mobile-based exercises for adolescent EFL listeners in Taiwan. English Teaching & Learning, 47(2), 241−262.

Irgin, P., & Erten, I. H. (2020). Exploring the role of strategy instruction: Young learners’ listening performance and strategy use. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(3), 415–441. https://doi.org/10.32601/ejal.834676

Jin, Y., & Yang, H. Z. (2018). Zou zhong guo te se de yu yan ce shi dao lu: Da xue ying yu si liu ji kao shi san shi nian de qi shi [Taking the road of language testing with China’s characteristics: The enlightenment of CET-4 and CET-6 for 30 years]. Wai yu jie, 2, 29−39.

Kaivanpanah, S., Alavi, S. M., & AL-Shammari, H. (2020). Examining the effect of listening strategy instruction on EFL Iraqi learners’ listening anxiety. Arab World English Journal: Special Issue on the English Language in Iraqi Context, January, 62–75. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/elt2.4

Kassem, H. M. (2015). The relationship between listening strategies used by Egyptian EFL college sophomores and their listening comprehension and self-efficacy. English Language Teaching, 8(2), 153–169. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n2p153

Khosroshahi, H. H., & Merç, A. (2020). Listening self-efficacy beliefs, L2 listening proficiency, and listening strategy training. ELT Forum: Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(2), 1–14.

Krashen, S. D. (1985). The input hypothesis: Issues and implications. Longman.

Li, Q., Zhang, L. M., & Goh, C. C. M. (2022). Metacognitive instruction in second language listening: Does language proficiency matter? English as a Foreign Language International Journal, 26(5), 27–55. https://doi.org/10.56498/3922652022

Li, Y. P. (2012). Xin shi ji yan jiu sheng gong gong ying yu jiao cai [English listening and speaking textbook for postgraduate students in the new century] (2nd ed.). Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

Liang, W. X. (2010). Er yu ting li zhong de xue xi zhe yin su yan jiu [Learners’ factors in second language listening]. Shanghai: Shanghai Jiaotong University Press.

Lin, Y. (2019). Zhi jia shi jia xue mo shi zai ying yu ting li ce lue pei xun zhong de ying yong tan xi [On the application of scaffolding instruction to the strategy training in College English listening]. Chang chun shi fan da xue xue bao, 38(11), 181−185.

Little, D. (2022). Language learner autonomy: Rethinking language teaching. Language Teaching, 55(1), 64–73.

Liu, L., Liu, J., & Li, Y. (2009). Fei ying yu zhuang ye shuo shi yan jiu sheng ying yu ting li xue xi ce lue xun lian tan suo [A study of English listening strategy training for non-English-major postgraduate students]. Medical Research and Education, 26(1), 105−107.

Lotfi, G., Maftoon, P., & Birjandi, P. (2016). Learning to listen: does intervention make a difference? The Language Learning Journal, 44(1), 107–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2012.734320

Lou, H. Y. (2004). Ting li ce lue jiao xue yu zheng chang ke tang jiao xue de zheng he yan jiu [A study of the integration of listening strategy instruction into classroom teaching tasks]. Wai yu yan jiu, 88(6), 43−49.

Lynch, T. (2009). Teaching second language listening. Oxford University Press.

Milliner, B., & Dimoski, B. (2019). Explicit listening strategy training for ELF learners. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 16(3), 833–859.

Milliner, B., & Dimoski, B. (2024). The effects of a metacognitive intervention on lower-proficiency EFL learners’ listening comprehension and listening self-efficacy. Language Teaching Research, 28(2), 679-713.

Namaziandost, E., Neisi, L., Mahdavirad, F., & Nasri, M. (2019). The relationship between listening comprehension problems and strategy usage among advance EFL learners. Cogent Psychology, 6(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2019.1691338

Ngo, N. (2019). Understanding the impact of listening strategy instruction on listening strategy use from a socio-cultural perspective. System, 81, 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.01.002

Nguyen, H. H. (2018). Fostering Positive Listening Habits among EFL Learners through the Application of Listening Strategy and Sub-skill Instructions. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(2), 268–279. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0902.07

O’Malley, J. M., & Chamot, A. U. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. Cambridge University Press.

Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Newbury House.

Pallant, J. (2016). SPSS survival manual (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Piamsai, C. (2014). An investigation of the use of listening strategies and listening performance of proficient and nonproficient language learners. PASAA: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning in Thailand, 47, 147−180.

Pituch, K. A., & Stevens, J. P. (2016). Applied multivariate statistics for the social sciences: Analyses with SAS and IBM’s SPSS (6th ed.). Routledge.

Roussel, S., Gruson, B., & Galan, J. P. (2019). What types of training improve learners’ performances in second language listening comprehension? International Journal of Listening, 33(1), 39–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2017.1331133

Schunk, D. H. (2003). Self-efficacy for reading and writing: Influence of modeling, goal setting, and self-evaluation. Reading and Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 159−172.

Shannon, F. (2008). Cognitive and metacognitive listening strategies training for university non-English majors. Hwa Kang Journal of English Language & Literature, 14, 1−33.

Siegel, J. (2015). Exploring listening strategy instruction through action research. Palgrave Macmillan.

Simasangyaporn, N. (2016). The effect of listening strategy instruction on Thai learners’ self-efficacy, English listening comprehension and reported use of listening strategies [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Reading.

Sotoudeh, N. (2013). Effect of listening strategy training on Iranian EFL learners’ listening comprehension and use of strategies. International Journal of Linguistics, 5(6), 171−193.

Su, Y. N. (2003). Lun ting li xue xi ce lue de ke jiao xing− Yi xiang ji yu zhong guo wai yu chu xue zhe de shi yan yan jiu [On teachability of listening strategies−an experimental research for Chinese EFL beginning learners of listening]. Xian dai wai yu, 26(1), 49−58.

Tabrizi, H. M., & Saeidi, M. (2015). The relationship among Iranian EFL learners’ self-efficacy, autonomy and listening comprehension ability. English Language Teaching, 8(12), 158–169. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n12p158

Tosun, S. (2021). An exploration of the relationship between listening strategy use and listening comprehension of undergraduate EFL students. International Journal of Research in English Education, 6(2), 89–101.

Vandergrift, L. (2003). Orchestrating strategy use: toward a model of the skilled second language listener. Language Learning, 53(3), 463–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9922.00232

Vandergrift, L. (2004). Listening to learn or learning to listen? Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 3−25.

Vandergrift, L., & Baker, S. (2015). Learner variables in second language listening comprehension: An exploratory path analysis. Language Learning, 65(2), 390−416.

Vandergrift, L., & Goh, C. (2009). Teaching and testing listening comprehension. In M. H. Long & C. J. Doughty (Eds.), The handbook of language teaching (pp. 395–411). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Vandergrift, L., & Tafaghodtari, M. H. (2010). Teaching L2 learners how to listen does make a difference: An empirical study. Language Learning, 60(2), 470–497. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2009.00559.x

Vanderplank, R. (2013). Listening and understanding. In P. Driscoll, E. Macaro, & A. Swarbrick (Eds.), Debates in modern languages education (pp. 53−65). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Yabukoshi, T. (2021). Self-regulation and self-efficacy for the improvement of listening proficiency outside the classroom. The Language Learning Journal, 49(1), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2018.1472626

Yang, X. L. (2018). Da xue ying yu ting li ce lue xun lian mo shi ji qi xiao guo yan jiu [A study on the training mode and effect of College English listening strategies]. Ji shou da xue xue bao (Academic special edition), 39, 214−219.

Yu, G., & Jin, Y. (Eds.). (2015). Assessing Chinese learners of English: language constructs, consequences and conundrums. Palgrave.

Zhang, L., Yu, X., & Goh, C. C. M. (2022). Improving performance and metacognitive awareness in listening through metacognitive instruction for Chinese language learners. RELC Journal, October, 1−8. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882221129645

Zhu, X. H. (2010). Da xue ying yu ting li ce lue xun lian mo shi yu xiao guo fen xi [The model and effect analyses of College English listening strategy instruction]. Wai yu yan jiu, 2, 53−58.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-01

Issue

Section

Articles