EFFECTIVENESS OF ISLAMIC PODCASTS FROM " HOW TO CLEAN DIRTY HEARTS " BY DR HAIFAA YOUNIS IN IMPROVING EFL LISTENING PROFICIENCY

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of listening to How to Clean Dirty Hearts, an Islamic podcast by Dr. Haifaa Younis, in enhancing the listening proficiency of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. In contemporary language education, digital media resources such as podcasts are increasingly recognized for their capacity to provide authentic, engaging, and contextually meaningful input that complements traditional classroom instruction. Podcasts offer learners extended exposure to natural speech, varied accents, and nuanced discourse, which are often limited in scripted classroom materials. This study employed a quasi-experimental design involving 60 Indonesian EFL learners, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Over a period of eight weeks, the experimental group engaged with selected episodes of the podcast, accompanied by guided listening activities, while the control group received conventional listening instruction without additional podcast exposure. Pre- and post-listening comprehension tests were administered to assess improvement in listening skills, and a perception survey was conducted to evaluate learners’ attitudes toward podcast-based learning. The results indicate that the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant gains in listening proficiency compared to the control group, suggesting that regular exposure to culturally relevant, meaningful audio content can substantially support listening development. Additionally, learners reported high levels of engagement, motivation, and enjoyment, highlighting the value of culturally responsive materials in fostering both linguistic competence and positive attitudes toward autonomous listening practice. These findings underscore the pedagogical potential of integrating Islamic-themed podcasts into EFL curricula as a strategy to enhance listening skills, learner motivation, and overall engagement in digital and classroom-based language learning environments.