THEME: THE IMPACT OF VIDEO AND AUDIO MATERIALS ON ENGLISH LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Abstract

Listening comprehension is a fundamental pillar of language acquisition, yet it remains one of the most challenging skills for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. This article explores the comparative effectiveness of purely audio materials versus multimodal video materials in enhancing listening skills. By analyzing cognitive load theory and dual-coding theory, the study examines how visual cues—such as facial expressions, gestures, and situational contexts—aid in decoding linguistic input. The findings suggest that while audio materials improve focused phonetic transition, video materials provide a richer pedagogical framework for holistic understanding. The article concludes with practical recommendations for educators to integrate both media types into the curriculum