Here are some tips for listening to a podcast to learn for class or for fun!
Before Listening…
Read the show description
Get an idea of what they will be talking about! Think about economic concepts you have been learning in class. Can you anticipate a connection?
See how long the episode is
Are you able to listen to it all at once? Or will you plan to listen to sections at a time?
Be prepared to take notes and have a notebook or word document open while listening
If you have a list of economic concepts you’re learning that week, perhaps have that beside you to prompt connections.
Check to see if there is a podcast script to follow along if you get lost easily
While Listening…
Be an active listener. Take notes! Ask yourself these questions
Who’s talking? Why is their insight important or useful?
What is the main idea of this podcast? Why does it exist?
Write down economic words or phrases that you don’t understand, or heard in class
If you are confused about something, write down questions to research after
Rewind if you think you think you zoned out for a minute or re-listen later
After the Show…
Review your notes
How do you think this podcast relates to economics? To concepts and ideas you’ve been learning about?
Discuss what you heard and how it relates to economic ideas with a classmate or friend
This will help you understand and solidify what you learned and what you think.
Take your list of questions to research after and do some more investigation.
Find resources to share in a class assignment or discussion board.
Try to come up with a few takeaways or overarching themes that you can relate to the world around you.
Download a PowerPoint deck to share tips with your class. PowerPoint version or pdf
Prepared by Emmanuel College economics students Eliana Falleur & Olivia Fiorini.
Adapted from: Mullen, A. (2020, August 7). How to listen to a podcast for class. Abby Mullen. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from http://abbymullen.org/how-to-listen-to-a-podcast-for-class/
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