Effects Of English Songs On English Majors’ Listening Teaching

In recent years, many English teachers have realized the importance of English songs in teaching English. But most researches focus on the use of music in the whole process of English teaching. Only a few empirical studies have been conducted in listening teaching. These studies focus on the possibility and feasibility of application of music in English teaching and the change of students’achievements. The important factors influencing the learning motivation and interest are not studied in a systematic way.In order to explore effects of English songs on English majors’listening interest, motivation and listening achievement,44 English major sophomores from two classes in Qingdao University of Science and Technology are asked to do questionnaires about listening interest and motivation, and take a listening test before the teaching experiment. During the experiment, the teacher applies English songs in listening teaching of the experimental group. In the meantime the control group is still taught by the traditional teaching methods and materials. The study explores three questions: ① As a kind of listening material, can English songs promote students’listening motivation? ② Can the use of English songs in listening teaching arouse students’ learning interest?③ Can the use of English songs help improve students’achievement in listening?The data collection instruments adopted in the study are questionnaires, classroom observation and interview. Based on the data analysis, three findings are concluded:① As a kind of listening material, English songs cannot promote students’ listening motivation;②The use of English songs in listening teaching can arouse students’ learning interest;③ The use of English songs can help improve students’ achievement in listening.Based on the findings of the study, the author presents some implications for English listening teaching and learning, such as, making a full preparation before teaching, making a full use of listening material, providing more opportunities for students to engage in the teaching process, and combining the class teaching and extracurricular practice.