STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF PODCAST USE IN LISTENING CLASSES (A CASE STUDY AT ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF IAIN PALOPO)

This research aims to investigate students' perceptions of the lecturer's use of podcasts in teaching listening comprehension. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed to gather and analyze data on the effectiveness and challenges of
using podcasts in the classroom. The sample consisted of 21 students at fifth�semester of the English Language Education Study Program at IAIN Palopo. The results revealed that students generally perceive podcasts as a flexible and engaging
tool that enhances their listening comprehension skills. However, challengesrelated to accents, speech speed, and concentration were also identified. Despite these challenges, students acknowledged the overall benefits of podcasts in supporting
their learning, particularly in terms of vocabulary development and critical listening skills. The findings suggest that with proper content selection and additional support materials, podcasts can be an effective supplement to traditional listening instruction.