
Dongdong Chen
Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Producing Podcasts in the Chinese Language Classroom
The main objective of the work was to provide an opportunity for the student to discuss a topic with an interlocutor, either a native speaker, or a language learner. In preparation for such a real-life task, students need to think about what topic to work on, who to invite for the conversation, and how to do the interview. In addition, students must acquire useful vocabulary, and sentence structures to form interesting questions and learn sufficient communication skills to initiate a conversation, carry it over and end it appropriately. More specifically, to conduct an interview in the target language, students not only need to develop and revise their script, but also practice speaking it time and again until they feel comfortable. The course of interaction, repetition, and conversation will enable students to learn to express themselves naturally, and at the same time get to know more about others.
To my delight all students except one with a health problem completed the project, and most of them enjoyed doing the work. Having learnt a great deal throughout the process, I will integrate podcasting into my Chinese classroom in the future. This is because a project like can truly help advance students’ language learning and build their digital skills.
(I am grateful to Brittney Segura, a work-study student at SHU WSOU 89.5 FM, for her expert assistance, without which this project would not have been completed.)