Listen Up! Using Podcasts in STEM Courses to Improve Engagement and Facilitate Review

Abstract

This workshop focuses on how to integrate podcasts into science-based courses (e.g., chemistry, psychology). To some students, science-based courses can be perceived as ‘dry’ and difficult to engage with at a level that facilitates retention. Given that engrossing, high-quality teaching is cited as inspiring course enjoyment and leading students to further pursue STEM education (e.g., Horowitz, 2009), lecturers are often looking for ways to increase student interest. More than this, it is the hope of many educators that more enjoyable coursework will lead to better retention and understanding of the material (e.g., Kuh et al., 2008). As a news and entertainment vehicle, podcasts have continued to grow in popularity over the past decade or more. However, the efficacy of using podcasts within educational settings has been mixed (e.g., Daniel & Woody, 2010; Lee & Chan, 2007). This workshop will introduce podcasts as a learning medium and describe ways in which they can be used to effectively complement traditional teaching approaches, either as an enhancement to the course, or as a resource for student review. Attendees will be introduced to several ready-made STEM podcast resources and engage in discussions on how to develop new content that is effective, both logistically and pedagogically.