Audio-Visual Aids as a Pedagogical Tool to enhance Listening Skills in Grade 10 Learners’ English First Additional Language classes in Chris Hani West District, South Africa

Audio-Visual Aids as a Pedagogical Tool to enhance Listening Skills in Grade 10 Learners’ English First Additional Language classes in Chris Hani West District, South Africa

Lundi Nomlala

Issue: Vol. 6 No. 12 2025 Article 4 pp.1424 – 1437
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2025612 15| Published online 30th December, 2025.

177 Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the pedagogical use of audio-visual aids (AVAs) to enhance listening skills among Grade 10 English First Additional Language (FAL) learners in South Africa’s Chris Hani West District, employing a qualitative case study methodology with six teachers and ten learners through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations analyzed via thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm. The findings demonstrate that AVAs significantly improve listening comprehension through dual-channel cognitive processing, enhance learner engagement, and reduce anxiety, while simultaneously revealing infrastructural limitations and inadequate teacher training as key implementation barriers. The study makes significant theoretical contributions by validating Dual Coding Theory in rural FAL contexts and extending the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning by emphasizing cultural relevance as a critical factor in multimedia effectiveness, particularly noting how locally contextualized materials increase participation and understanding. Practical implications suggest that strategic AVA integration with scaffolding techniques, coupled with targeted investments in technological infrastructure and teacher professional development, could effectively address existing educational disparities in under-resourced environments, offering policymakers and educators a framework for optimizing listening skill development through technology-enhanced pedagogies in similar multilingual contexts.

Keywords: Audio-Visual Aids, Listening Skills, English FAL, Rural Education, Multimedia Learning

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alasmari, Amal. “World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca Approaches in Teaching Saudi EFL Learners.” International Journal of English Language Education 6, no. 2 (2018): 82.

Allah, Bounhas Hibat. “The Effect of Using Audio-Visual Aids on Teaching Pronunciation. The Case of Third Year Pupils at Al AkidSi El Haouès Primary School,” 2023.

Braun, Virginia, and Victoria Clarke. “Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology.” Qualitative Research in Psychology 3, no. 2 (2006): 77–101.

Chams SAIDIA, Lina CHADI. “Investigating Teachers’ and Students’ Attitudes towards the Role of Audio-Visual Aids in Enhancing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills Case Study,” 2024.

Cleland, Jennifer, Anna MacLeod, and Rachel Helen Ellaway. “The Curious Case of Case Study Research.” Medical Education 55, no. 10 (October 14, 2021): 1131–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14544.

Cohen, Louis, Lawrence Manion, and Keith Morrison. Research Methods in Education. Routledge, 2002.

Dabr, Eliewa Abd E L Mawgood E L. “Developing Preparatory Stage Students’ EFL Listening Skills Through Learning Styles-Based Differentiated Instruction.” Journal of the Faculty of Education, Benha University 32, no. 127 (2021): 119–42.

Dzobo, Mathias, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira, Ziningi Jaya, Kabelo Kgarosi, and Tivani Mashamba-Thompson. “Experiences and Perspectives Regarding Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence.” Heliyon 10, no. 12 (June 2024): e32926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32926.

Febriani, Hanura, Nova Asvio, Jefril Rahmadoni, and Raveenthiran Vivekanantharasa. “Improving EFL Learners’ Listening Skills by Using Audio-Visual Aids.” Linguists : Journal Of Linguistics and Language Teaching 8, no. 2 (December 20, 2022): 216. https://doi.org/10.29300/ling.v8i2.7662.

Feng, Xiao. “Investigating the Role of Visual Cues in Speech Perception and Second Language Comprehension.” University of Georgia, 2024.

Giyozova, Sabina. “Problems of Teaching Listening Skills.” In Modern Methods and Innovation Technologies in Education: Present Status, Important Questions and Challenges, 190–93. Tashkent International University of Education, 2023. https://doi.org/10.61587/mmit.uz.vi.39.

González-Vera, Pilar y Ana Hornero Corisco. “Audiovisual Materials: A Way to Reinforce Listening Skills in Primary School Teacher Education.” Language Value 8, no. 1 (January 3, 2019). https://doi.org/10.6035/LanguageV.2016.8.2.

Grover, Rohan. “Contingent Connectivity: Internet Shutdowns and the Infrastructural Precarity of Digital Citizenship.” New Media & Society 27, no. 1 (January 8, 2025): 359–78. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448231176552.

Hadijah, Sitti, and Shalawati Shalawati. “Enhancing English Language Learners’ Listening Comprehension through Listening Strategies Instruction.” J-SHMIC : Journal of English for Academic 5, no. 1 (February 27, 2018): 124–42. https://doi.org/10.25299/jshmic.2018.vol5(1).1204.

Hatami, Sarvenaz. “The Impact of Learner-Related Variables on Second Language Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition through Listening.” Vocabulary Learning and Instruction 6, no. 1 (2017). https://doi.org/10.7820/vli.v06.1.Hatami.

Huang, Shu-Hsiu. “Exploring Gender and Language Proficiency Variations in English Listening Comprehension Difficulties (LCDs) among College EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Learners.” Language Education & Assessment 7, no. 1 (October 31, 2024): 1243. https://doi.org/10.29140/lea.v7n1.1243.

Istifadah, Istifadah, Taufiq Satria Mukti, and Kartika Satya Noviafitri. “Learning Outcomes of Listening Comprehension Skills through Audio-Visual and Interactive Audio.” Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning (JETLE) 3, no. 2 (June 17, 2022): 66–72. https://doi.org/10.18860/jetle.v3i2.15623.

Kamaeva, Rima Bizyanovna, Mohamed Hussien, Aman Rassouli, Ahmed Qassem Ali Sharhan Al-Sudani, Qudsia Zaini, and Mir Mohammad Farooq Haidari. “Cultural Awareness, Listening Comprehension, Listening Motivation, and Attitude among EFL Learners: A Gender-Based Mixed Method Study.” Education Research International 2022 (March 31, 2022): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8018675.

Kang, Eunyoung. “Enhancing Korean EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning and Listening Comprehension Through Video Captions.” STEM Journal 20, no. 2 (May 2019): 91–108. https://doi.org/10.16875/stem.2019.20.2.91.

Kao, Yu-Ting, and Hung-Chih Kuo. “Diagnosing L2 English Learners’ Listening Difficulties and Learning Needs through Computerized Dynamic Assessment.” Interactive Learning Environments 31, no. 4 (May 19, 2023): 2219–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1876738.

Kathirvel, Keetha, and Harwati Hashim. “The Use of Audio-Visual Materials as Strategies to Enhance Speaking Skills among ESL Young Learners.” Creative Education 11, no. 12 (2020): 2599–2608.

Malak, Maanani. “The Role of Audio-Visual Aids in Enhancing EFL Pupils’ Speaking Skill: The Case of L3 Pupils at Djallab Belkacem Ben Ali Primary School,” 2024.

Milliner, Brett, and Blagoja Dimoski. “The Effects of a Metacognitive Intervention on Lower-Proficiency EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension and Listening Self-Efficacy.” Language Teaching Research 28, no. 2 (March 4, 2024): 679–713. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211004646.

Mkhize‐Kwitshana, Zilungile Lynette, Pragalathan Naidoo, Ntombifikile M Nkwanyana, and Musawenkosi L H Mabaso. “Concurrent Allergy and Helminthiasis in Underprivileged Urban South African Adults Previously Residing in Rural Areas.” Parasite Immunology 44, no. 4–5 (2022): e12913.

Mokoena, Michael, Sibongile Simelane-Mnisi, and Andile Mji. “Teachers ’Perceptions Towards The Pedagogical Use Of Interactive Whiteboard In South African High Schools.” In EDULEARN20 Proceedings, 7825–33. IATED, 2020. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2020.1974.

Muñoz, Carmen, Geòrgia Pujadas, and Anastasiia Pattemore. “Audio-Visual Input for Learning L2 Vocabulary and Grammatical Constructions.” Second Language Research 39, no. 1 (January 18, 2023): 13–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/02676583211015797.

Nasser Al Harbi, Wed. “The Role of Social Media (YouTube and Snapchat) in Enhancing Saudi EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension Skills.” Arab World English Journal, no. 268 (December 15, 2020): 1–54. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/th.268.

Norte Fernández-Pacheco, Natalia. “Multimodal Digital Tools and EFL Audio-Visual Comprehension: Students’ Attitudes towards Vodcasts.” Language Value 8, no. 1 (January 3, 2019). https://doi.org/10.6035/LanguageV.2016.8.4.

Oliveira, Luciana C. de. Supporting Multilingual Learners’ Academic Language Development. New York: Routledge, 2023. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003264927.

Paivio, A. Imagery and Verbal Processes. Psychology Press, 2013. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315798868.

Perkins, Laurel, and Jeffrey Lidz. “Filler-Gap Dependency Comprehension at 15 Months: The Role of Vocabulary.” Language Acquisition 27, no. 1 (January 2, 2020): 98–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/10489223.2019.1659274.

Sanvido, Pedro, and Isabel Manssour. “MoodleStories: Improving Learner Motivation Through Interactive Visual Stories.” In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, 201–8. SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, 2023. https://doi.org/10.5220/0011842000003470.

Sayre-McCord, Thomas. “Perception-Driven Optimal Motion Planning under Resource Constraints.” Woods Hole Open Access Server (WHOAS) at the MBLWHOI Library. Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, February 1, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/10824.

Suman, Chandan. “The Effective Integration of Multimedia in Foreign Language Teaching.” A Peer Review Research Journal of Language and Human Development 1, no.1(2023):83–93.

Sweller, John. Cognitive Load Theory: Recent Theoretical Advances. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Teravainen-Goff, Anne. “Why Motivated Learners Might Not Engage in Language Learning: An Exploratory Interview Study of Language Learners and Teachers.” Language Teaching Research 29, no. 6 (August 9, 2025): 2500–2520. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688221135399.

Tibus, Maike, and Alexander Eitel. “Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML),” 2016.

Tolentino, Joyce Ann M., Rose Lynn D. Villanueva, and Josephine Luz de Leon-Pineda. “Blended Focus Group Discussion: A Cooperative Learning Strategy to Promote Reflection among Student Teachers.” Reflective Practice 25, no. 6 (November 7, 2024): 860–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2024.2412871.

Wang, Yun. “Explaining L2 Learners’ Listening Comprehension: The Role of Aural Vocabulary Knowledge.” Sintagma. Revista de Lingüística, n.º 35 (2023): 103–18. https://doi.org/10.21001/sintagma.2023.35.07.

AUTHOR(S)

Lundi Nomlala is a lecturer of English in the Faculty of Education at Walter Sisulu University. His research interest is in language education. He serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Faculty of Education’s Research Ethics Committee.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Nomlala, Lundi. “Audio-Visual Aids as a Pedagogical Tool to enhance Listening Skills in Grade 10 Learners’ English First Additional Language classes in Chris Hani West District, South Africa.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 6, no. 12 (2025): 1415 – 1423. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.202561214.