Listening Skills

Your Native English Teacher's thoughts on listening skills:


Teaching listening skills is a big challenge for a Native English Teacher, and frustrating for a student.

Unlike grammar, no hard and fast rules exist, and the results of all the student's hard work can be difficult to measure.

Listening is something we do actively. In the beginning it takes a huge amount of concentration and effort.


Sometimes an English Student has a mental block. At some point, while trying to listen, they decide that because they do not understand everything being spoken, they can not possibly understand anything.

Not understanding is OK. Hold in there.


Listen for key words. Is the speaker's body language telling you anything? Are any of the words giving you an idea of what the speaker is saying? Listen for the basic idea and work from there.

In order to master a skill, one needs to practice. This Native English Teacher suggests taking 10 minute English breaks. Focus on what is being spoken, be it in music, on film or the radio.

A student needs to listen often but for short periods of time.

If your not convinced and want to monitor your progress, write down the keywords while doing your listening exercises. Watch how the list gets longer and longer as the weeks pass.