ESL Podcast

Podcasting makes language learning more convenient since the learning process is no longer been constrained by the time or places. With podcasting, we can learn at any time anywhere.

The episode, ESL Podcast 736-Following One's Dream, I chose is from ESL POD. This episode lasts for about 16 minutes with a slow speed. It includes a short dialogue as well as the interpretation of the dialogue. After the dialogue, the host will explain all the new phrases and vocabulary in the dialogue in details so that the listener can comprehend the content better. This episode can be used in ESL elementary listening classroom. As teachers, we can apply this material both inside and outside the classroom. If we use it inside the classroom, the teacher can first teach students some new phrases or expression that is going to be played in the episode, and then play it. After listening it, the teacher can ask students to repeat the dialogue or ask students to create a similar dialogue with their classmates. Since there is a detailed interpretation of the dialogue, teachers can also ask students to listen it at home. And then students are required to make sentences with some new phrases or vocabulary. Besides, students can be also asked to read after the dialogue so that their pronunciation can be improved through repetition. 

Applying podcasting in a language classroom is an effective way to improve language learners' learning efficiency. As an ESL teacher, it's important for us to know how to make the best use of those internet resources and try our best to help student acquire the language better.