Investigating the effectiveness of a signal-based approach in improving learners’ decoding of connected speech : the case study of second-year students, University of M’sila

Abstract EN

This study examines the effectiveness of connected speech (CS) instruction in improving learners’ decoding of spoken English.

It follows the trend of a balanced listening session that focuses on both top-down and bottom-up modes.

It attempts to integrate CS instruction into the listening comprehension lessons following a diagnostic approach that uncovers CS features which may cause comprehension breakdown.

An experimental group (N= 19) received listening lessons with an extended post-listening phase to address the CS features diagnosed as problematic during listening.

A control group (N= 19) received similar lessons without specific focus on CS.

The pre-test results revealed that CS aspects pose serious obstacles in decoding and segmenting speech for the participants, with a possible negative interference from top-down processing.

The experimental group has shown a statistically significant improvement after the treatment.

A post-treatment interview revealed positive reactions to the instruction, and a reported relative improvement in listening comprehension.