Listening is a crucial part of learning a new language, and it is often challenging for ESL learners. Improving listening skills requires patience, practice, and the use of effective strategies. Here are five methods that can help ESL students improve their listening skills.

1. Active Listening
Active listening involves paying full attention to what the speaker is saying and making an effort to understand not just the words but also the context, tone, and body language. Students can practice active listening by asking questions, repeating what they hear, and summarizing what was said.

2. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids like pictures, diagrams, videos, and subtitles can help ESL learners understand complex ideas better. They can also help them associate words with their meanings. For instance, watching TV shows or movies with subtitles can help students learn new words and improve their pronunciation.

3. Listen to Authentic Material
Listening to authentic material such as podcasts, radio programs, news broadcasts, and audiobooks can help ESL learners expose themselves to English spoken at a natural speed. It is recommended that students start with easy content and gradually move on to more challenging materials as their listening skills improve.

4. Take Notes While Listening
Taking brief notes while listening can help ESL learners retain information better. Students can jot down key points or unfamiliar words and research them later. Note-taking also helps students stay focused and engaged during the listening activity.

5. Practice Regularly
Practicing regularly is essential for improving listening skills. Students can set aside a specific time every day to listen to English material, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, or audiobooks. Consistent practice will help students develop their listening skills over time.

Here are some online resources that can help students improve their listening skills:

1. Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab: https://www.esl-lab.com/
2. ESL Games Plus: https://www.eslgamesplus.com/listening/
3. Breaking News English: https://breakingnewsenglish.com/
4. The British Council: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening
5. NPR: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/category/1014-education
6. Voice of America Learning English: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
7. TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/talks
8. ESLPod.com: https://www.eslpod.com/website/
9. English Central: https://www.englishcentral.com/videos
10. BBC Learning English: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/
11. Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/course/en/es/Learn-English
12. FluentU: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/esl-listening-practice/
13. 5 Minute English: http://www.5minuteenglish.com/listening.htm
14. Listen and Write: https://www.listen-and-write.com/
15. ESLFlow: http://www.eslflow.com/listeningexercises.html

In conclusion, improving listening skills is critical for mastering a new language. ESL learners can use active listening, visual aids, authentic materials, note-taking, and regular practice to improve their listening skills. With the help of these methods and online resources, students can make significant progress in their listening comprehension abilities.