The effect of shadowing practice: a case study of Japanese language learners in an Australian university

The aim of this study is to investigate the effective implementation of shadowing practice in Japanese language units at an Australian university. This study explores how shadowing can be effective for improving listening skills based on Kadota’s (2007)theoretical point of view with a focus on the gradual speed progression of the model audio.This study addresses the research questions regarding (1) the most effective speed for shadowing model audio; (2) differences between advanced and intermediate level Japanese learners in the relationship between shadowing and listening ability improvement and (3) participants’perception of shadowing as an effective practice in improving listening ability. The participants in this study were 62 intermediate and 35 advanced level Japanese learners. Two listening comprehension tests (pre-shadowing and post-shadowing test) and weekly pinpoint dictation quizzes were administered to measure the effect of shadowing on improving listening ability. An anonymous survey was collected at the end of the semester to assess the qualitative implications of the participants’ shadowing experiences. The results and findings are analysed and the implications for classroom applications are discussed.