What is Listening Comprehension

Podcasts, one type of mobile-assisted language learning, have been promoted as promising tools in second language (L2) learning. Yet, quality indicators of podcast programs have not been generalized. Applying previous empirical results on predictors of listening comprehension, the purpose of this chapter was to identify English language learning podcast programs in iTunes that were preferred by language learners and teachers and build up a list of the indicators that can be considered for selecting and designing high-quality English language learning podcasts. Participants were 26 intermediate English as second language (ESL) learners at a southwestern American university and two of their listening and speaking teachers. The results revealed that the ESL students and their teachers both preferred podcasts that had interesting topics, natural speed, and clear pronunciation.