Developing listening skills through podcasts and audiobooks: methodological perspectives in Uzbekistan

Listening comprehension is one of the most essential yet challenging aspects of foreign language learning. Traditional classroom practices often limit learners’ exposure to authentic speech, which hinders the development of communicative competence. With the rapid growth of digital technologies, podcasts and audiobooks have become innovative tools for enhancing listening skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. This paper explores the methodological foundations and practical strategies for integrating podcasts and audiobooks into EFL instruction, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan, where such practices remain underexplored. Drawing on communicative and cognitive learning theories, the article analyzes pre-listening, while-listening, and post-listening activities that can effectively scaffold learners’ comprehension. The findings highlight that podcasts and audiobooks not only provide authentic linguistic input but also foster learner autonomy, motivation, and cultural awareness. The study concludes that incorporating these digital resources can significantly improve students’ listening proficiency, while also identifying challenges such as accent variation, digital literacy, and information overload, and suggesting solutions for overcoming them.