Listening Comprehension Strategies: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: Numerous studies related to listening comprehension strategies have been published in the past two decades. The present study seeks to build upon two previous reviews of listening comprehension strategies research. Of particular interest in this review are studies dealing with the types of cues used by listeners, the sequence of listening, differences between more‐ and less‐proficient listeners, listening strategy instruction, strategies versus tactics, and identifying listening problems. This review first summarizes the findings of a number of studies in each of these areas. Based on these summaries, the review then posits some general conclusions and suggests directions for future research. The review demonstrates that listening comprehension strategies have been and continue to be a very fruitful area for researchers to explore.