Podcasting in TEFL
Teaching is a dynamic
profession. As a teacher of TEFL in training, you will learn to adopt many
technologies into your teaching methodology when you enroll into our courses.
What
are Podcasts?
One of the several
teaching tools that will be introduced to you is podcasts. In simple terms,
podcasts are audio files made on certain subjects or topics. They can be easily
created, subscribed to, shared, and accessed from your smartphone. You can call
them a new avatar of radio shows. However they can be of any length, cover any
topic and be in any format. They are created and shared through hosting
services.
There are several great websites for creating and sharing podcasts. Click below to discover a few such sites:
Podcasts are a popular
and effective supplementary aide for Teaching English, especially when it is
being taught to non-native speakers. A new language can be difficult to grasp
and students need more attention span to focus on lessons.
Using podcasts can be
an exciting and productive way of Teaching English. Podcasts are mainly
designed for listening. It is easier to concentrate while listening than
reading. Listening also helps a new language learner become familiar with
pronunciation and diction.
As
a teacher, you will find using podcasts to teach English enables your students
to:
●
Build comprehension
●
Focus better
●
Develop critical thinking
●
Gain presentation and storytelling skills
●
Distinguish between
formal and conversational styles of speaking English
●
Increase vocabulary
● Become confident users of English
How
to Use Podcasts in Teaching English
To
teach English as a Foreign Language, you begin using podcasts thorugh one of
the following two options:
●
Choose already
available podcasts that align with your lesson plans
●
Create your own podcasts
Whether you choose pre-created content or build your own, it is important to pay attention to the topic of the podcasts. It is a good idea to use ones on current affairs or ones that cater to your students’ topics of interest.
Here
are some ways to integrate podcasts into your lesson plans:
●
Use transcripts to
supplement the podcasts for a read-along experience.
●
Start conversations on
the content of the podcasts.
●
Build listening-in
activities around the podcast. You could prepare mini quizzes, or ask the
students to summarize the content. You could even pick words out and ask the
students to use them in sentences or stories of their own.
●
Train your students
into listening in for grammar and word choice.
● Create a class podcast together, Encourage your students to research, create and play the podcasts. The students can be in charge of individual episodes or do it collectively. The possibilities are endless.
The biggest advantage of using Podcasts in Teaching English is that they can be used anywhere and at any time. Your students can use them in class or on the subway, while brushing their teeth or while going to bed. All they need is a phone with internet access. They can download the files to use offline if they choose. Podcasts can, in other words, act as your teaching assistant and be available for your students 24/7!
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