Unleashing Creativity and Improving Communication Skills with Classroom Podcasts: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Les Huysmans
Teens love expressing themselves through technology.
One of the easiest and most underused ways (in Thailand) to match teenage students with technology in today’s classroom is the podcast. I have created these multiple times, in different classes and for different ages. Creating classroom podcasts can be a fun and engaging way for students to improve their English language skills, as well as develop a variety of important 21st century skills.
Podcasts provide students with an opportunity to practise speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills, while also giving them a creative outlet to express themselves. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating classroom podcasts step by step, and explain the benefits for your students.
Step 1: Choose a topic
The first step in creating a classroom podcast is to decide on a topic. This could be anything from a recent news story, a school event, or a hobby that the students are passionate about. Learners in my classes have created podcasts ranging from children’s stories, to plays, audio diaries, reviews, news and interviews.
It’s important to choose a topic that will interest the students and keep their attention throughout the podcast. You can either let the students choose their own topics or assign a specific topic to the class.
Step 2: Plan the format
Once you have a topic, it’s time to start planning the podcast. This involves deciding on the format, the length of the podcast, and what each student will be responsible for. For example, you could have one student as the host, another as the interviewer, and another as the producer.
Much also depends on how intricate or simple you want the podcast to be. Some podcasts just involve people who say ‘hi’ and start talking, and the content is very good, even without any scripting or editing. It’s important to make sure that everyone knows their role and what they need to do in order to create a successful podcast.
Step 3: Record the podcast
The next step is to record the podcast. This can be done using a computer and a microphone, or even a smartphone. It’s important to make sure that the recording is clear and of good quality. You can also add background music or sound effects to make the podcast more interesting.
Step 4: Edit the audio
After recording the podcast, it’s time to edit it. This involves cutting out any parts that are not relevant or that don’t sound good. You can also add in any additional elements, such as sound effects or music, that will make the podcast more interesting.
Step 5: Publish and share
The final step is to publish or broadcast the podcast. This can be done by uploading it to a hosting platform, such as SoundCloud or Anchor, by sharing it with classmates and teachers, or by having the school play it over the PA system.
Why podcasts are worth it
Creating classroom podcasts provides students with a number of benefits, both in terms of language development and 21st century skills.
- Firstly, students have the opportunity to practise speaking and listening in English, which will help to improve their overall language proficiency.
- Secondly, students also get to develop their critical thinking skills, as they have to think about what they want to say and how they want to say it.
- Thirdly, creating podcasts allows students to develop their digital literacy skills, as they have to use technology to create and publish their podcasts.
Podcasts are a great way for students to express themselves creatively and showcase their skills to a wider audience.
However, there are benefits beyond the students as well. Podcasts can showcase a school’s strengths, promote its programmes, and highlight its achievements. This can be an effective way to attract new students and promote the school’s reputation.
Podcasts also provide a platform for teachers to engage with their students in a more personal and meaningful way, helping to build stronger relationships and foster a positive learning environment. There are many more benefits, but it is clear how versatile podcasts can be in the classroom, which makes you wonder why they are not used more often!
If this sparked anything — questions, rants, good old curiosity — come say hi via the About Les page.