Innovation in Language Learning

Listening is one of the basic language skills in communication. However, many Algerian learners find it difficult to understand spoken English because listening is a highly complex process during which they have to construct meaning out of the information provided by speakers, in addition to lack of exposure to authentic listening. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of using podcasts for developing learners listening comprehension. In order to reject or confirm the hypothesis that the implementation of using podcasting would bring on positive results, two intact groups: a control group (N=23) and an experimental group (N=37) were used in this study. This research work was carried out through the comparison of pre and post tests in addition to a questionnaire administered to a sample of teachers (N=5) from different secondary schools (El-kantara, Birkhadem, Kouba). The paired t-test value (5. 01) indicated that the participants achieved statistically significant results. The findings obtained in this study reveal that the use of podcasts can help students develop their listening comprehension. Hence, we suggest podcasts to be used in teaching listening in all levels in the Algerian context.