Abstract:
This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of teaching listening skill in relation to
the current practice and perception of grade 10 English Language teachers. Three
secondary schools in Ilu Aba Bor Zone namely Mettu, Abdi Bori and Alge secondary
schools were involved in the study. To achieve this objective a descriptive survey
research design was employed using available and random sampling techniques. 9 grade
10 English Language teachers and 316 students respectively were drawn as a sample
from 1581 grade 9 students. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the
targeted schools. The required data for the study were collected using content analysis,
questionnaires and class observation. From 12 units incorporated in the text, the listening
section included in 6(50%) of the course book were analyzed using the check list
(Appendix A). The questionnaire completed by the respondents cross checked through
the observation result conducted on 5 teachers were observed four times each to see how
they actually conduct the listening lesson in the class. In the analyzing the data
descriptive statistics were used. The analysis revealed that the current practice of the
teacher contradict with the pedagogical procedures suggested for teaching listening skill
in the teachers guide and another ELT literature. Though teachers claimed that they have
been using the text and give appropriate feedback, the students’ response and observation
result indicate a great gap between what the teachers said and their actual practice. Lack
of essential equipment to present listening lesson, motivation and commitment on the part
of the teachers appeared to be major cause for the teachers’ failure to execute the
suggested teaching procedure and activities for teaching listening lesson. Based on the
findings of the study, recommendations are forwarded to alleviate the problems in the
school under the study.
