Should Teachers Become Podcasters to Reach Out to Digital Natives?

India has the third largest audience for podcasts in the World. The number of podcasts and podcast listeners is increasing every year. Can teachers use the power of podcasts to improve the learning outcomes of their students? If yes, how? Let's find out.

All of us are aware of TV Serials. A TV Serial has several video episodes. A Podcast is a series of audio episodes. One of the most popular Podcasts in India is "Mann Ki Baat" where the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the nation through the radio. Those who miss the live address can access the Podcast on the internet.

Research into the behaviour of digital natives (a.k.a any person born into the world of digital tools) clearly proves the preference of audio content over textual content. This means that if given a choice, your students would prefer "listening" to "reading".

Can a school also have a Podcast for its community of students and parents? Can a teacher also use a Podcast to help students achieve learning outcomes?

Podcasts can be a valuable tool for teachers to enhance their teaching in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how teachers can use podcasts for teaching:

Supplemental Content

Teachers can use podcasts as supplemental content to enrich their lessons. They can assign relevant podcasts as homework or as additional listening activities for students to reinforce the topics they are learning in class. Podcasts can provide additional perspectives, expert interviews, or real-world examples that can enhance students' understanding of a topic.

Flipped Learning

Teachers can create their own podcasts or curate existing educational podcasts to use in a "flipped learning" model, where students listen to the podcast at home and then discuss and apply what they learned during class time. This allows students to engage with the content at their own pace and gives them the opportunity to come prepared for in-class discussions and activities.

Authentic Listening Practice

Podcasts can provide authentic listening practice for language learners. Teachers can select podcasts that are appropriate for their students' language level and use them as listening exercises to improve listening comprehension skills. They can also provide transcripts or guided questions to help students follow along and engage with the content.

Current Events and News Analysis

Podcasts that cover current events or news topics can be used to facilitate discussions and critical thinking activities in the classroom. Teachers can assign podcasts that discuss current events or controversial issues, and use them as a starting point for class debates or discussions on relevant topics.

Project-Based Learning

Teachers can use podcasts as a medium for students to create their own content as part of a project-based learning activity. Students can research, script, and record their own podcasts on a topic of their choice, allowing them to develop skills in research, writing, and audio production.

Guest Speakers and Interviews

Teachers can use podcasts to bring in guest speakers or conduct interviews with experts in various fields. This can provide students with access to diverse perspectives and real-world insights that may not be otherwise available in the classroom.

Overall, podcasts can be a versatile and engaging tool for teachers to incorporate into their teaching practice, providing students with additional content, opportunities for authentic listening practice, and opportunities for creativity and critical thinking.

So, when are you starting your podcast?