An investigation of informal education’s impact on students’ ability to engage in active listening in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Active listening is a fundamental communication skill that enhances interpersonal relationships, academic performance, and social integration. In Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, informal education has emerged as a powerful means of cultivating active listening among students. Informal educational practices such as community storytelling sessions, group discussions, and interactive drama workshops provide a conducive environment for practicing attentive listening. These activities encourage students to fully engage with their peers and community members, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy (Suleiman, 2023). In the context of Jalingo, where diverse ethnic and linguistic groups coexist, the ability to listen actively becomes essential for bridging cultural divides and promoting social harmony. Informal education, with its emphasis on experiential and participatory learning, allows students to practice active listening in real-life scenarios that are both challenging and enriching (Musa, 2024). Such experiences not only improve communication skills but also enhance cognitive abilities such as critical thinking and problem solving. Recent studies have shown that students who regularly engage in active listening practices demonstrate greater academic achievement and improved interpersonal relationships (Jibril, 2025). Furthermore, the informal educational framework in Jalingo supports the development of empathy and cultural sensitivity by exposing students to multiple perspectives through interactive group activities. The study aims to investigate how these informal practices shape students’ listening skills and to identify the specific elements of these programs that contribute most significantly to active listening. By analyzing the intersection of cultural diversity and community-based learning, the research will provide insights into how informal education can be optimized to foster better communication skills among young learners, ultimately contributing to more harmonious and effective community interactions (Adewale, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of active listening as a communication skill, there is a paucity of research focusing on how informal education fosters this ability among students in Jalingo. Formal education tends to emphasize speaking and writing skills while often neglecting the crucial aspect of listening. This imbalance has led to a situation where many students struggle to engage fully in interpersonal communication, limiting their academic and social potential. In Jalingo, where cultural diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for communication, the development of active listening skills is particularly critical. However, the lack of structured informal educational programs specifically designed to enhance listening has resulted in missed opportunities for students to cultivate this skill. Furthermore, existing programs are seldom evaluated for their effectiveness in promoting active listening, leaving educators with limited guidance on best practices. The study seeks to address these challenges by exploring the impact of informal education on students’ active listening abilities. It will identify the specific strategies and activities that yield the most significant improvements and assess how these skills translate into better academic performance and social interactions. By focusing on the mechanisms through which informal education promotes active listening, the research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical communication models and practical, community-based applications. This inquiry is essential for developing educational interventions that prioritize comprehensive communication skills and for informing policy decisions aimed at fostering more inclusive and effective learning environments in Jalingo (Bello, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
- To assess the impact of informal education on enhancing active listening skills among students.
- To identify the key informal practices that promote effective listening.
- To evaluate the relationship between active listening and improved academic as well as social outcomes.
Research Questions:
- How does informal education influence students’ active listening abilities in Jalingo?
- Which informal practices most effectively promote active listening?
- What is the correlation between active listening skills and academic/social performance?
Research Hypotheses:
- Informal education significantly improves students’ active listening skills.
- Regular participation in interactive, community-based activities correlates with enhanced listening abilities.
- Students with strong active listening skills demonstrate superior academic and social performance.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the role of informal education in developing essential communication skills, particularly active listening. The findings will provide critical insights for educators and community leaders seeking to enhance interpersonal competencies among students. By demonstrating the effectiveness of informal educational practices, the research will support initiatives aimed at fostering improved academic performance and stronger community bonds in Jalingo (Suleiman, 2023; Musa, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is confined to investigating the impact of informal education on students’ active listening skills in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State. It does not cover formal communication training programs or other localities.
Definitions of Terms:
- Active Listening: A communication technique involving full attention, understanding, and appropriate feedback during interactions.
- Informal Education: Learning that occurs through community-based and experiential activities outside traditional academic settings.
- Interpersonal Communication: The process of exchanging information, ideas, and feelings between individuals.
Related Project Materials
An investigation of bilingual language usage patterns in Nigerian urban and rural settings
Background of the Study
Bilingual language usage patterns differ markedly between urban and rural settings in Nigeria due...
A STYLISTIC STUDY OF ADICHIE'S THE THINGS AROUND YOUR NECK AND PURPLE HIBISCUS.
Background to the Study
A lot of similarities exist in the...
An Examination of Digital Vernaculars in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of WhatsApp Chat Language
Background of the Study
Digital communication has led to the emergence of unique vernaculars, particularly in countries wit...
THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF QUANTITY SURVEYING AND HOW IT AFFECT COST, LABOUR AND TIME
ABSTRACT
The construction market in Nigeria is currently undergoing somewhat of a technology acceptance and utiliza...
THE IMPACT OF MINIMUM WAGE FLUCTUATION ON GROWTH OF NIGERIAN ECONOMY
ABSTRACT
This research work investigates the impact of minimum wage fluctuation on growth of Nigeria economy. Determinants of labour mark...
THE ROLE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
ABSTRACT: The role of early childhood education in social-emotional learni...
The impact of urbanization on traditional family structures in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State
Background of the Study
Urbanization in Ijebu-Ode has significantly altered traditional family structures, leading to evol...
An Examination of Oncology Nurses' Role in Encouraging Cancer Patients to Engage in Self-Care at Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State
Background of the Study
Self-care is an important aspect of cancer treatment and recovery. It includes practices such...
The impact of economic integration on cross-border trade in Nigeria: An evaluation of ECOWAS initiatives (2000–2020)
Background of the Study :
Economic integration initiatives, such as those spearheaded by the Economic Community of West African States (E...
An investigation of POS system efficiency on retail transaction processing: a case study of Sterling Bank
Background of the Study
Point of Sale (POS) systems are integral to modern retail banking, enabling efficient and secure p...
