Using Nursery Rhymes To Improve Listening Comprehension Skill

Abstract

This research investigates the effectiveness of nursery rhymes as an instructional strategy to improve the listening comprehension skills of fifth-grade students at SD Negeri 02 Pedurungan Kidul, Semarang, in the 2025/2026 academic year. Listening comprehension is a crucial foundation for language learning and successful communication, yet many elementary learners struggle to achieve adequate competence in this domain. To address this issue, nursery rhymes that are both age-appropriate and culturally relevant were integrated into the listening lessons, aiming to strengthen learners’ engagement, vocabulary acquisition, and interpretive skills. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study compared two groups of fifth graders: one receiving conventional listening instruction and the other engaging with a nursery rhyme–based approach over a ten-week period. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations, and student feedback to assess comprehension progress, attention span, and motivation. Results indicated that the group taught with nursery rhymes achieved significantly better post-test outcomes, demonstrated greater concentration in listening activities, and reported more positive attitudes than the control group. The study suggests that the repetitive, rhythmic, and contextually simple nature of nursery rhymes makes them a valuable tool for developing listening skills in young EFL learners. The implications highlight the importance of adapting curriculum, enhancing teacher preparation, and applying innovative pedagogical practices.