THE EFFECT OF TOP-DOWN AND BOTTOMUP PROCESSING ON DEVELOPING EFL STUDENTS’ LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Listening is a critical element in the competent language performance of the foreign language learners whether they are communicating at school, at work, or in the community (Van Duzer, 1997:1). According to Nancy and Bruce (1988:1) listening is the first language mode that children acquire. It provides a foundation for all aspects of language and cognitive development, and it plays a life-long role in the processing of learning and communication essential to productive participation in life.