This volume was conceived as a "best practices" resource for teachers of ESL listening courses in the way that Vocabulary Myths by Keith S. Folse (and Writing Myths by Joy Reid) is one for reading and vocabulary teachers. It was written to help ensure that teachers of listening are not perpetuating the myths of teaching listening.

Both the research and pedagogy in this book are based on the newest research in the field of second language acquisition. Steven Brown is the author of the Active Listening textbook series and is a teacher trainer.

The myths debunked in this book are:

Listening is the same as reading.

Listening is passive.

Listening equals comprehension.

Because L1 language ability is effortlessly acquired, L2 listening ability is too.

Listening means listening to conversations.

Listening is an individual, inside-the-head process.

Students should only listen to authentic materials.

Listening can't be taught.