Podcasts for Elementary ELD

    

    What is a podcast and why should it matter to me as an ELD teacher?  “In essence, a podcast is an audio program produced either professionally or by an amateur about a certain topic” (Verner, n.d.). Podcasts are available on a wide range of topics so finding topics to fit students’ interests is not a problem. Podcasts are a valuable auditory resource that students can use to strengthen listening skills while expanding their vocabulary and background knowledge. 

    Podcasts offer a convenient opportunity to listen to native speakers of a desired language discuss many different topics. However, it is important for teachers to consider that “although podcasts are freely available and meant to provide authentic aural input, comprehending the information in podcast episodes can be challenging for second language (L2) learners” (Nurmukhamedov & Sharakhimov, 2021). In much the same way that I preteach vocabulary and background knowledge for my students before many of their units of study in their classrooms, I would have to consider possibly doing the same before involving podcasts in my ELD classroom. In addition to listening practice, I see another opportunity  for students if frontloading of information does not occur; as my students are moving closer to the middle grades, I am finding that they are not developing their independence in completing school work or learning how to advocate for themselves.  Using podcasts that are in students’ proximal zone of development could be an opportunity to help students figure out how to better comprehend or seek out help when listening to podcasts (or doing other work) independently.

    Students can not only listen to podcasts, but creating them is a great opportunity for speaking practice.  Because students can do research and prepare some parts of a podcast, podcasts are a nice mix of prepared speech and impromptu language. Once students choose a topic for their podcast, they can research important facts and vocabulary related to their topic.  They can also practice writing questions they may have for their co-host or guest speakers. While I think some ELs may really struggle with the more spontaneous parts of podcasts, if this is incorporated often, students will grow in both their ability and comfort level with the process. Podcasts have the potential to be an authentic and engaging tool for ELs when students are supported appropriately.

Nurmukhamedov, U., & Sharakhimov, S. (2021). Corpus-Based Vocabulary Analysis of English Podcasts. RELC Journal, 0033688220979315.

Verner, S. (n.d.) Top 9 Ways to Use Podcasts in the ESL Classroom. Busy Teacher. https://busyteacher.org/22450-podcasts-esl-classroom-top-9-ways.html