The activating podcast method: Engaging students through blended learning

Abstract

In university education, we aim for students to master the course materials, practice with transferable skills, have meaningful discussions, learn from each other, and be active members of the academic community. These goals are especially important for first-year students, who are new to academic education. At the same time, teaching methods should be aimed at career development and labour market opportunities. This study aims to evaluate the success of an education method that attempts to incorporate this broad range of learning goals into one course. The aim of this study is to evaluate, by means of a ‘mixed-method’ data analysis, the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the Activating Podcast Method (APM) in student’s learning experience, a blended learning approach that uses a flipped classroom method tailored to these goals. An online survey ( N = 30) and an interview ( N = 8) measured a 2022 cohort first year BA Film and Literary Studies students’ experiences of the effectivity of the Activating Podcast Method in their academic learning and performance. After first conducting quantitative research, qualitative research was conducted to further explain the generated data. Results suggest that the Activating Podcast Method enhances and improves the students’ learning experience, efficiency and performance, by conveying theoretical knowledge and context through online independent learning in advance of on campus classes that focus primarily on in-depth discussion. The feedback of students as well as our own experiences as the lecturer of and student assistant to this course, indicate the overall benefits of APM as a learning method. Finally, this article explores how APM can be integrated into university education.