A Study on Listening Skills in Elementary Students

An Observation Research

Presented to

Prof. Sharisse May Mate Barra

Faculty of Department of Psychology and related Services

Mindanao State University Main Campus, Marawi City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

PSY196 (Field Methods in Psychology)

By

HEDAYA S. MACA-UMBOS

June 2022
Data Gathering Procedure

Observation Process:

o First, I go to the site where I intend to observe. I asked the school's principal if it

was okay with them for me to observe their school, and I explained to them the

main reason why I would observe their school.

o Second, I choose what level I want to observe. So, I chose a grade 3 student.

o Third, I give my observation protocol and the letter of informed consent to the

school's principal.

o Fourth, I set an appointment with them to observe. The observation took place

over the course of 2 days, on May 17 and May 18, 2022. I conducted my

observation in Barul-Emul Iman Learning Center, Camalig Bandara Ingud, from

1:00-3:30 pm on the afternoons of May 17 and May 18, 2022.

o Lastly, I also asked for permission to take notes during my observation and took

a picture of them after I observed them.

Observation Research

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine and identify the benefits or

advantages of listening skills and the effects of having a lack of listening skills.

Site: Barul’ Emul Iman Learning Center, Camalig Bandara Ingud, Marantao, LDS.

Level: Grade 3
Summary of Field Notes: I chose Barul's Emul Iman Learning Center to observe due to

the fact that it would be easier for me to access because it was near our house and I

could easily go there to observe. To begin with my summary field notes, I listed a 10 list,

which is a general field note of my observations.

o Upon observing the teacher, I see that some of the students didn’t listen and

some of them also listen.

o I observed that not all students are cooperating with their oral recitation.

o I noticed that some of the students are unprepared with their things specifically

the basic need of the students.

o I observed that some of the students are not comfortable with their chair or their

positions.

o I observed that one of the distractions in their class was the noise, discipline, and

the classroom.

o I observed that one of the weaknesses of their class was lack of listening skills.

o I noticed that some of the teachers did not discipline their students.

o I observed that they lack of engagement towards their students.

o I noticed that some of the students have a lack of concentration.

o Lastly, I observed that the classroom was not okay due to (dark area, poster, and

color of the classroom which affect the listening skills of the elementary

students).
Theme 1: The Benefits of Listening

Based on my observation, the benefits of listening were described as a strong connection

between active and conscious. A relationship between solving problems, skills, critical

thinking, and concentration was also described.

"I noticed that some students are interested in listening to their teacher because they

want to get knowledge or ideas." – Earned

Some of the participants are willing to learn and earn knowledge: "Upon observing

them, I noticed that there is a boy who is trying to raise his hands to ask a few questions
to his teacher." Some of the students used their critical thinking: "I observed that there is

someone clarifying the word. He says that Ma'am, what is it hot or heart?" I noticed that

listening results in having a skill: "I observed that there is a boy trying to share his skills

in drawing with his seatmate." I noticed that by listening there, a few students

concentrate on their assigned task: "I observe that there is a girl concentrating on

listening to her teacher and focusing on her work." Lastly, I notice that listening results

in trying to solve a problem: "I observed that there is a boy. He’s trying to figure out

that his answer is not correct. He says that that’s what I should answer."

"I observed there is someone who is participating in their oral recitations and

poems." – Active

I noticed that listening results in active listening: "I observed that some of the students

are participating in their oral recitations in Arabic"; "I observed that there is someone

who can easily answer the questions of their teacher". I notice that a few students are

still conscious of their answers: "I observe that there is a boy answering the questions of

her teacher, and after that, he’s asking her seatmate if it’s correct."

Theme 2: The Effect of a Lack of Listening Skills

Based on my observation, I noticed there is also an effect of having a lack of listening

skills. It describes a strong connection between the classroom and uncomfortable. A

relationship between a lack of ideas, lack of socializing, misunderstanding, auditory

distractions, and lack of focus was also described.

"I observed that there was a student who did not interact properly." – Unconscious

I noticed that not listening is resulted in a lack of socializing and auditory distraction: “I

observe that there is a girl she is trying reconnect to other group but she cannot

reconnect with them”; “I observe that a girl is wearing a nude hijab she is trying to seek

an attention to other students and she is disturbing other students by asking a nonsense

question”; “I observe that the classroom is one of the problems why the students having

a problem in auditory”. Lack of focus and misunderstanding can also a cause or effect

of having a lack of listening skills: “I observed that there is a boy he’s trying to question

her teacher because he cannot understand what are the teacher told him”; “I observed

also, that there is a boy he’s wearing a blue shirt, black slacks, and a black shoe he is not

focusing on his assigned task and he always trying to focus other things that cannot

relate to their class”.

"I observe that 50% of students are not staying in their chairs; they are always trying

to change their positions, and the classroom is too dark inside, and there is no light."

– Classroom

I noticed that other students are not comfortable: "I observed that a few students want

to stand up and play, and I also noticed that they cannot move properly, and they

cannot write properly”; "I noticed that the classroom is one of the reasons why the

students cannot concentrate and listen properly because in one classroom there are

three levels, which are Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3."

Findings:

Based on my map of thematic analysis there are two themes that I present: first is

the benefits of listening and second, the effect of a lack of listening skills . I found that

my findings are students are having a hard time concentrating, cooperating,

communicating, listen properly, and one of the distractions I found out is that the

environment of their classroom is not good for their learners. According to Lyons

(2001), poor school facilities have negative impact on the teachers’ effectiveness as well

as students` performance. A well-designed classroom stimulates and motivates children

to engage with one another and develop numerous abilities such as language, listening,

and social interaction. Poor classroom layout might limit children's freedom of

movement and lead to social behavior issues. Problems with social behavior arise in

environments that are poorly managed, lack guiding principles, and have conflicting

goals to attain.
 APPENDIX

LETTER OF INFORMED CONSENT

TITLE OF STUDY

A Study on Listening Skills in Elementary Students

OBSERVER

Name: Hedaya S. Maca-umbos

Course: BS Psychology

Address: Brgy. Camalig Bubong

Phone: 09380028560

Email: maca-umbos.hs27@s.msumain.edu.ph

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The purpose of this study was to observe the listening skills of elementary students.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the researcher is legally
obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be limited to,
incidents of abuse and suicide risk.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If the participants have questions at any time about my study, or they experience
adverse effects as a result of participating in this study, you may contact my contact
information is provided on the first page. If you have questions regarding your rights as
a research participant, or if problems arise that you do not feel you can discuss with the
Observer, please contact Ma’am Sharisse Mate May Barra
(barrasharisse@msumain.edu.ph).

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Participation in this study is voluntary. It is up to participants to decide whether or not

to take part in this study. If the participants decide to take part in this study, they will
be asked to sign a consent form. After signing the consent form, the participants are still
free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawing from this study
will not affect the relationship we have, if any, with the researcher. If the participants
withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, the participant's data will
be returned to them or destroyed. 

CONSENT

I have read and understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to
ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to
withdraw at any time, without giving a reason and without cost. I understand that I
will be given a copy of this consent form. I voluntarily agree to take part in this study.
Please indicate with your signature on the space below that you understand your rights
and agree to participate in this study.

Your participation is solicited, yet strictly voluntary. All information will be kept
confidential and your name will not be associated with any research findings.

Thank you and God bless!

_____________________________ __________________
Participants Date

OBSERVATION PROTOCOL

Research Title:

A Study on Listening Skills in Elementary Students

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to observe the listening skills of Elementary Students

Name of Observer:

Hedaya S. Maca-umbos

Observation Site(s):

Barul’Emul Iman Learning Center, Camalig Bandara Ingud

Number of Observees:

15 students

Date of Observation:

May 17 and May 18, 2022

Time of Observation:

1:00-3:30 pm

Mode of Observation:
Note-taking

Position of Observees:

Student

References:

Lyons, J.B. (2001) Do School Facilities Really Impact a Child’s Education?

http://sdpl.coe.uga.edu/articlesandpapers/lyons.html