By: Mohammad Afsharrad and Asghar Moulavi Nafchi
The article argues that current listening teaching methods focus too much on top-down processing (using context to understand) while neglecting bottom-up processing (understanding the sounds of the language).
Bottom-up processing is especially important for beginner learners who have trouble decoding the sounds of the target language.
The study proposes using transcription exercises as a way to improve bottom-up processing skills.
The study found that transcription exercises had a positive effect on beginner learners' listening ability.
The article concludes that listening teaching methods should place more emphasis on bottom-up processing, and that transcription exercises are a valuable tool for this purpose.