EXPLORING THE ASSESSMENT POTENTIAL OF STUDENT-GENERATED PODCASTS

Christina Vlachou, Vana Chiou

Abstract


This study explored the assessment potentials of student-generated podcasts within a small-scale classroom context. Participants were students, aged 13-14, who worked in small groups on an inquiry-based project. As part of the task, students interviewed local residents about citizen mobility, analysed data, and produced podcasts to communicate their findings. The podcasts were assessed using a performance rubric, which revealed clear differences in quality across groups. Peer assessment indicated varying levels of cooperation, while students’ self-reflections highlighted both the benefits and challenges of the podcast production process. The findings suggest that student-generated podcasts can function as a tool of creative expression, supporting skills in data collection, data analysis, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy. Despite the small sample size, the study highlights the pedagogical values of podcasting as an effective form of assessment that can enhance student learning outcomes.

Keywords


assessment, podcasts, peer-assessment, project-based learning, self-assessment

Full Text:

PDF

References


Ahn, J., Inboriboon, P.C., & Bond, M.C. (2016). Podcasts: Accessing, choosing, creating, and disseminating content. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 8(3), 435–436. https://doi.org/10.4300/jgme-d-16-00205.1

Brown, L. (2015). Podcasting and vodcasting to BSc Geography students. Planet, 24(1), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240062

Chen, C. W. (2023). Lend Me Your Ears: A study on taking the role of podcasters by Taiwanese EFL learners. Computers in the Schools, 41(4), 497–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2023.2291639

Chiou, V., Eising, J., February, P., & Özüdoğru, M. (2025). Formative Assessment put into practice. In All Means All (Eds), An Open Textbook for an inclusive and intersectional, multi-dimensional approach in teacher education. A community project from all-means-all education, (pp. 1301-1328). Pressbooks. https://book.all-means-all.education/ama-2025-en/chapter/formative-assessment-put-into-practice/

Coutinho, C., & Mota, P. (2011). Web 2.0 technologies in music education in Portugal: Using podcasts for learning. Computers in the Schools, 28(1), 56–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2011.552043

Dale, C. (2007). Strategies for using podcasting to support student learning. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure Sport & Tourism Education, 6(1), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.3794/JOHLSTE.61.155

Demo, H., Chiou, V., Cuccu, M. & Özdemir, Ö. (2025). Cooperative Learning. In All Means All (Eds), An Open Textbook for an inclusive and intersectional, multi-dimensional approach in teacher education. A community project from all-means-all education, (pp. 1111-1131). Pressbooks. https://book.all-means-all.education/ama-2025-en/chapter/cooperative-learning/

Drew, C. (2017). Educational podcasts: A genre analysis. E-Learning and Digital Media, 14(4), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753017736177

Dversnes, G., & Blikstad-Balas, M. (2023). The potential of podcasts for exploratory talk in high school. Computers in the Schools, 40(3), 282–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2023.2196963

Ekmekçi, E. (2017). Improving English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners’ ICT Literacy Skills through Digital Storytelling. Participatory Educational Research, 4(2), 1-9. https://www.perjournal.com/archieve/spi_16_4/per_16_spi_4_1.pdf

Errabo, D. D., Rosa, A. D., & Gonzales, L. J. M. (2024). Optimizing differentiated podcasts to promote students’ self-regulation and engagement, self-efficacy and performance in asynchronous learning. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 17(2), 368–390. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-02-2024-0039

Evans, C. (2008). The effectiveness of m-learning in the form of podcast revision lectures in higher education. Computers & Education, 50(2), 491–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2007.09.016

Jarvis, C., & Dickie, J. (2010). Podcasts in support of experiential field learning. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 34(2), 173–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098260903093653

Hall, N. M., & Jones, J. M. (2021). Student-Produced podcasts as a teaching and learning tool. American Journal of Distance Education, 37(1), 53–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2021.1995256

Hasan, M. M., & Tan, B. H. (2012). ESL Learners’ Perception and Attitudes towards the Use of Podcast in Developing Listening Skills. The English Teacher, XLI(2), 160-173. https://www.journals.melta.org.my/TET/downloads/tet41_02_05.pdf

Hill, J. L., & Nelson, A. (2011). New technology, new pedagogy? Employing video podcasts in learning and teaching about exotic ecosystems. Environmental Education Research, 17(3), 393–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2010.545873

Hill, J., & Nelson, M. (2015). Evaluating the perceived effectiveness of video podcasts as a learning resource for geography. Planet, 24(1), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240076

Indahsari, D. (2020). Using podcast for EFL students in language learning. JEES (Journal of English Educators Society), 5(2), 103–108. https://doi.org/10.21070/jees.v5i2.767

Kay, R. H. (2012). Exploring the use of video podcasts in education: A comprehensive review of the literature. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(3), 820–831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.01.011

Kenna, T. (2022). Podcasting urban geographies: examining the utility of student-generated research podcasts for deep learning and education for sustainable development. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 47(4), 533–552. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2022.2122030

Kemp, J., Mellor, A., Kotter, R., & Oosthoek, J. W. (2011). Student-Produced Podcasts as an Assessment Tool: An Example from Geomorphology. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 36(1), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2011.576754

Kemp, J., Kotter, R., Mellor, A., Oosthoek, J., & White, C. (2015). Diversifying assessment across the ‘Two Cultures’: student-produced podcasts in Geography. Planet, 27(1), 2–7. https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2013.27010002

Lee, M. J. W., McLoughlin, C., & Chan, A. (2007). Talk the talk: Learner‐generated podcasts as catalysts for knowledge creation. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(3), 501–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2007.00746.x

Mohammed, F. G., & Khadawardi, H. A. (2024). Investigating EFL students’ perspectives of the influence of podcasts on enhancing listening proficiency. Journal of Education and Learning, 13(3), 177. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v13n3p177

Naseri, S., & Motallebzadeh, K. (2016). Podcasts: A Factor to Improve Iranian EFL Learner’ Self-Regulation Ability and Use of Technology. Educational Technology & Society, 19(2), 328–339. https://www.j-ets.net/collection/published-issues/19_2

Phillips, B. (2017). Student-Produced Podcasts in Language Learning – Exploring student perceptions of podcast activities. IAFOR Journal of Education, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.5.3.08

Prince, B. F. (2020). Podcasts: the potential and Possibilities. Teaching Sociology, 48(4), 269–271. https://doi.org/10.1177/0092055x20959837

Robinson, S., & Ritzko, J. (2009). Podcasts in education: What, why and how? Proceedings of the Academy of Educational Leadership, New Orleans, 14(1), 38-43. https://www.abacademies.org/Public/Proceedings/Proceedings24/AEL%20Proceedings.pdf

Sayadi, M., & Heidar, D. M. (2018). The impact of using podcasts on Iranian Autonomous /Non-Autonomous EFL learners’ listening comprehension ability at Pre-Intermediate level. International Journal of Research in English Education, 3(3), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijree.3.3.72

Sullivan, J. L. (2019). The platforms of podcasting: past and present. Social Media + Society, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305119880002

Swan, K. O., & Hofer, M. (2009). Trend Alert: A history teacher’s guide to using podcasts in the classroom. Social Education, 73(2), 95–102. https://www.socialstudies.org/system/files/publications/articles/se_730295.pdf

Tulley, C. (2011). IText reconfigured: The rise of the podcast. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 25(3), 256–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1050651911400702

Ugueto, A., Santucci, L., Krumholz, L., & Weisz, J. (2014). Problem-Solving Skills Training. In E.S. Sburlati, H.J. Lyneham, C.A. Schniering, & R.M. Rapee (Eds), Evidence-Based CBT for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents. A Competencies-Based Approach (pp. 247-259). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118500576.ch17

VanUitert, V. J., Kennedy, M. J., Peeples, K. N., Romig, J. E., Mathews, H. M., & Rodgers, W. J. (2022). Enhancing science performance of middle‐school students with and without developmental and behavioral‐based disabilities using the Content Acquisition Podcast Professional Development approach. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 60(3), 515–543. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21808

Wilkinson, A. (2013). Using blogs and podcasts in the history classroom. In A. Wilkinson, (Ed.), Using New Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Learning in History (pp. 83–92). London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203075593-12

Yang, P. (2025). The Role of Podcast Creation in Supporting Motivation and Self-Directed Learning among EFL College Students: An Action Research study. Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language-TESL-EJ, 28(4). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.28112a9

Yıldırım, A., Hacıhasanoğlu, R., Karakurt, P., & Türkleş, S. (2011). Problem solving skills and influential factors in high school students. Journal of Human Sciences, 8(1), 905–921. http://www.insanbilimleri.com

Yoestara, M., & Putri, Z. (2019). PODCAST: An alternative way to improve EFL students’ listening and speaking performance. Englisia Journal of Language Education and Humanities, 6(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.22373/ej.v6i1.3805

Yurtseven, R., Akkaş Baysal, E., & Ocak, G. (2021). Analysis of the relationship between decision making skills and problem-solving skills of primary school students. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET), 8(3), 2117-2130. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1308060.pdf




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i5.6641

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Christina Vlachou, Vana Chiou

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2015-2026. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.


This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).