The Role of Songs in Developing Listening Skill- A Task-Based Learning Strategy for Second-Grade Elementary Students Learni

Resumen

This article presents a task-based learning strategy titled “The Role of Songs in Developing Listening Skill: A Task-Based Learning Strategy for Second-Grade Elementary Students Learning English as a Foreign Language.” It takes into account a non-native English learning context and leverages the literal and linguistic richness of songs as both a spoken and written learning resource to enhance listening skills. First, by visualizing songs from a
didactic perspective, students can learn English in an entertaining and engaging manner, owing to the songs’ musical, cultural, and linguistic characteristics. Second, it proposes a suggested
methodological pathway and alternative guidelines to teach English with songs in a non-bilingual learning context, like in Colombia. Thirdly, it aims to build students’ confidence when expressing
themselves in the target language as well as generating phonological and linguistic awareness involving natural language use, eliminating linguistic barriers commonly faced by second graders
at an elementary level of English proficiency. This article also presents some theoretical highlights about the didactic role of songs, considering their effectiveness, usefulness, and contribution to English learning by integrating and incorporating different listening activities and strategies as part of language instruction.