Using audiobooks to improve reading habits and vocabulary acquisition in EFL

This research is about the use of audiobooks as an alternative tool for students to develop reading habits while improving their vocabulary acquisition. The study aim is to analyze the effect of audiobooks to improve reading habits and foster vocabulary acquisition in the second year of English degree students, since reading is an effective way of increasing literacy and language development, and among students, this is not an essential activity in academic, and this situation is reflected in poor reading skills. The research follows a qualitative design, and it was conducted during the second semester of 2021 at Facultad Regional Multidisciplinaria de Estelí, and the participants were second-year English degree students from the evening shift. The type of sampling was non-probabilistic, and questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Further, the research uses a mix of intensive and extended reading of understandable books while listening to audiobooks, focused on repetition and the free voluntary reading approach. The research has limitations at the methodological and technical level, because the study is complex, and there is not a specialized room and equipment for language learning in the research place. Time is another limitation because the current modality has reduced face-to-face classes, and this could carry out negative effects on students’ motivation. To conclude, it is known that the language learning processes are complex, and one way to face it is through the use of all tools and resources available, and audiobooks could be useful. Finally, many students are interested in reading while listening, however, they have less interest in developing reading habits in comparison with vocabulary acquisition and speaking skill development