This year’s National Public Radio Student Podcast Challenge winners covered a remarkable range of stories:
- Reflections on the changes urbanization and globalization have brought to the small village in India where a high school student’s grandparents grew up.
- The story of a retired Japanese-American teacher from San Jose whose family was relocated to an internment camp during World War II, as told to her middle school neighbor
- The experiences of a fourth grader on a school trip with “zero technology whatsoever” allowed.
Click the links above to listen yourself! I was impressed by the quality of the students’ research and the creativity of their production choices, but I was struck most by the powerful and moving stories they communicated.
Why Podcasting Belongs in Every Classroom
Listening to these student stories shows how podcasting amplifies learning. When students plan, script, and share audio stories, they practice key skills while developing confidence in their own voices. Podcasting encourages students to:
- Think deeply as they research, script, and revise.
- Collaborate meaningfully by planning and editing together.
- Engage authentically by creating for real audiences beyond the classroom, motivating students to care more about their work.
- Tell meaningful stories that help them connect emotionally to their learning.
5 Tips to Get Started with Classroom Podcasting
Inspired to try podcasting with your students, but feeling a bit intimidated? The suggestions below will help you dive in and build confidence as you go.
- Use What You Have. Chromebooks and iPads already include simple tools like Screencast or Voice Memos for recording; no extra tech needed. When you’re ready to expand, try free, school-friendly apps like BandLab for Education, Spotify for Podcasters, or Audacity to mix, edit, and publish student work.
- Start Small. Keep first recordings under one minute. An “Exit Ticket Podcast” is a perfect low-pressure entry point.
- Model the Process. Record your own short reflection to show students what planning, pacing, and tone sound like.
- Emphasize Storytelling. Encourage students to include a beginning, middle, and end. Every podcast tells a story, even a science one.
- Reach an Authentic Audience. Upload podcasts to your LMS, a class Padlet, or host a “listening day” for peers and families. Hearing their voices shared with real listeners helps students see themselves as creators.
To launch your first podcast, try this Student Podcast Script Template. It’s a simple, fill-in-the-blank guide that walks learners through the flow of a one-minute podcast:
Hook → Main Idea → Example → Wrap-Up
It’s the perfect on-ramp for your first recording day and adaptable for any subject or grade.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If this quick project leaves your class wanting more, explore Teaching Channel’s new course, 5377: Digital Projects to Ignite Authentic Learning.
Learn to design and facilitate student-created blogs, podcasts, music videos, and short films that amplify voice, creativity, and real-world connection across the curriculum. From personal narratives to community storytelling, you’ll discover how digital creation can turn everyday lessons into stories that matter.
About the Author
Sarah Murphy is the Evaluation Manager and a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education. Sarah began teaching in 2004 at the elementary level. She now leads Teaching Channel’s Evaluation Team, managing our wonderful team of Course Evaluators. Sarah is also a coursewriter and content creator, specializing in edtech, educator wellness, and content area teaching.
Fun fact: Sarah has camped in 18 national parks and hopes to visit all 63 someday!
