The Design of EFL Multi-media Materials in Assisting Listening Comprehension

摘要

The purpose of this article is to explore the design issues of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) multi-media courseware in assisting listening skills from both theoretical considerations and technical explorations. This paper first presents a piece of courseware-Interactive Listening (IL) and then gives a rationale of this courseware. Through these efforts the paper attempts to propose an instructional courseware model appropriate for Computer-Enhanced Language Learning (CELL) environment for Chinese EFL learners to improve their listening skills. This model is grounded in theories such as natural listening comprehension process-TOP-DOWN, BOTTOM-UP, DUAL TOP-DOWN & BOTTOM-UP theories, SLA negotiated interaction model, some design principles from IMM mode (Kennedy,1997) and Hubbard's framework (1996). Under these theoretical principles,some design elements such as "form focused tasks", "feedback", etc. are suggested and some unique dements such as "two learning modes", "sound-off guess" and "what does he say next" are particularly favoured to fulfil special pedagogical purposes. It is expected that IL is efficient for Chinese students. It is also hoped that the paper may hold the informative and useful values for Chinese English teachers and courseware developers to design courseware.