PanSIG 2025

Developing TOEFL-Inspired Listening Materials for Mixed Fluency Levels

18 May 2025, 10:05

25m

BLDG 8/1F-112 (Kanda University of International Studies (神田外語大学))

Practice-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation Listening B8-112 SAT: ICLE & Critical Thinking; SUN: CT, Listening & ER

Speaker

Bethany Lacy (Juntendo University)

ABSTRACT

When working with a diverse cohort of first-year university students with English fluency levels ranging from CEFR A1 to C2, developing accessible listening materials is essential. This presentation focuses on the creation and implementation of listening modules designed to improve TOEFL scores for approximately 220 students in a liberal arts program. The program requires all first-year students to take six koma of English classes for a full academic year, with two koma each dedicated to reading, listening, and grammar. While in-house reading materials had been previously prioritized, listening materials lacked the same level of development and adaptability to mixed fluency levels.
To address this gap, I developed six listening modules based on topics commonly appearing on the TOEFL exam, including academic lectures and conversations. Each module integrates grammar, vocabulary, note-taking, and comprehension tasks to support listening skill development. This presentation will compare students' TOEFL listening scores from April 2024 to December 2024, with a focus on identifying statistically significant improvements. Additionally, student feedback and attitudes toward the new materials will be discussed to assess their accessibility, effectiveness, and impact on motivation and confidence in listening tasks.

KEYWORDS

listening materials
material development
TOEFL scores
university students