With the workshop title:  murder, mystery and mayhem , we were all wondering what to expect.  Jennie introduced us to the world of podcasts and how to use them to get our students listening to English outside of the classroom.

She shared with us a 6 week long project she has carried out with many of her students using the  the podcast  “Serial” https://serialpodcast.org/. 

Serial is an investigative journalism podcast, which investigates the murder of an American high-school student in 1999.   It provides a wealth of content and additional materials allowing English students to look at timelines, events, profile those involved and even act as judge and jury on the case.  All these activities strengthen active listening and build vocabulary.

There is a podcast for every possible topic and Jennie encouraged us to look for something to fit our students’ needs. 

It was a hot afternoon but with such a fascinating topic and animated speaker the time flew and we all left with lots of new ideas for teaching that do not involve hours of preparation time!

Log on and check the MEMBERS ONLY  section of this website to see Jennie’s slide presentation and Handouts.  Alternatively click on this link:

Slide Presentation/ Handouts on Podcasts – Jennie Wright  (you must be logged in)