Podagogy: turning podcast hype into real learning gains
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7347/EdL-02-2025-06Keywords:
podcasts, educational technology, learning outcomes, knowledge retentionAbstract
Podcasts have become a popular medium for asynchronous learning, yet the efficacy of this approach remains a subject of debate. This integrative review synthesises 42 primary studies and 12 systematic reviews with the objective of evaluating learning outcomes and knowledge retention. The analysis yielded immediate knowledge gains in specific contexts (e.g., 6–20% in assessments), with Content Acquisition Podcasts (CAPs) and structured language learning demonstrating robust efficacy. However, a multitude of substantial reviews have documented effects that are modest, non-significant, or trivial (d = 0.19). Furthermore, several controlled trials have found no significant differences when compared with traditional instruction. The evidence for short-term retention (i.e. ≤ 30 days) is moderate and generally non-inferior; however, confidence in long-term retention (> 30 days) and performance transfer remains low. Theory-driven design makes podcasts an effective supplement, yet they do not consistently surpass traditional methods. There is a clear need for more robust longitudinal studies.
Downloads
References
Abdous, M., Camarena, M. M., & Facer, B. R. (2009). MALL technology: Use of academic podcasting in the foreign language classroom. ReCALL, 21(1), 76–95. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344009000020
Abt, G., & Barry, T. (2007). The quantitative effect of students using podcasts in a first year undergraduate exercise physiology module. Bioscience Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.3108/beej.10.1
Baker, J. W., Green, S., & Friedman-Wheeler, D. (2007). Podcasting for continuing education: A case study. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(5), 453–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-007-9047-y
Cho, D., Cosimini, M., & Espinoza, J. (2017). Podcasting in medical education: A review of the literature. Korean Journal of Medical Education, 29(4), 229–239. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2017.69
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Désiron, J. C., & Schneider, S. (2024). Listen closely: Prosodic signals in podcast support learning. Computers & Education, 218, 105051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105051
Do, T. D., Shafqat, U. B., Ling, E., & Sarda, N. (2024). PAIGE: Examining learning outcomes and experiences with personalized AI-generated educational podcasts. arXiv preprint. https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2409.04645
Evans, C. (2008). The effectiveness of m-learning in the form of podcast revision lectures in higher education. Computers & Education, 50(2), 491–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2007.09.016
Gottlieb, M., Cooney, R., Haas, M. R. C., King, A., Fung, C.-C., & Riddell, J. (2023). A randomized trial assessing the effect of exercise on residents’ podcast knowledge acquisition and retention. Academic Medicine, 99(3), 312–318. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000005592
Gottlieb, M., Fung, C.-C., Haas, M. R. C., Cooney, R., King, A., & Riddell, J. (2024). Educational podcasts: Effect of content delivery timing on knowledge acquisition and retention. Academic Medicine, 99(7), 789–795. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000005722
Hasan, M. M., & Hoon, T. B. (2013). Podcast applications in language learning: A review of recent studies. English Language Teaching, 6(2), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n2p128
Heilesen, S. (2010). What is the academic efficacy of podcasting? Computers & Education, 55(3), 1063–1068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.05.002
Hew, K. F. (2009). Use of audio podcast in K-12 and higher education: A review of research topics and methodologies. Educational Technology Research and Development, 57(3), 333–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-008-9108-3
Hosseini, S. E., & Ghaemi, H. (2025). The impact of podcast-integrated speaking instruction on EFL learners’ informal digital learning of English, academic engagement, and speaking skills. Acta Psychologica, 251, 104718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104718
Indahsari, D. (2020). Using podcast for EFL students in language learning. JELE (Journal of English Language and Education), 6(2), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.26486/jele.v6i2.1403
Kakhki, S. T., Ebadi, A., & Vanaki, Z. (2025). The effect of podcast-based education on health outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 14(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1089_23
Kay, R. H. (2012). Exploring the use of video podcasts in education: A comprehensive review of the literature. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(3), 820–831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.01.011
Kay, R. H. (2014). Developing a framework for creating effective instructional video podcasts. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 9(1), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v9i1.3335
Kennedy, M. J. (2020). Content acquisition podcasts to support secondary students with and without learning disabilities in acquiring academic vocabulary [Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas]. KU ScholarWorks. https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/30934
Kennedy, M. J., & Thomas, C. N. (2012). Effects of content acquisition podcasts to develop preservice teachers’ knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supports. Exceptionality, 20(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09362835.2012.640901
Lakhal, S., Khechine, H., & Pascot, D. (2007). Student behavioural intentions to use desktop video conferencing in a distance course: Integration of autonomy to the UTAUT model. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 19(1), 93–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03033421
Lien, K., Chin, A., Helman, A., & Chan, T. M. (2018). A randomized comparative trial of the knowledge retention and usage conditions in undergraduate medical students using podcasts and blog posts. Cureus, 10(1), e2065. https://doi.org/10.7759/CUREUS.2065
Mayer, R. E. (2014). The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
McNamara, J. M., Sidor, A., & Biber, D. (2023). Content acquisition podcasts vs. open access podcasts: Improving preservice physical educators’ ability to teach students with visual impairments. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28(4), 423–437. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1990249
Merhi, M. I. (2015). Factors influencing higher education students to adopt podcast: An empirical study. Computers & Education, 83, 32–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.12.014
Miller, B., & Uphold, N. (2021). Using content acquisition podcasts to improve preservice teacher use of behavior-specific praise. Teacher Education and Special Education, 44(4), 300–318. https://doi.org/10.1177/08884064211007134
O’Bannon, B. W., Lubke, J. K., Beard, J. L., & Britt, V. G. (2011). Using podcasts to replace lecture: Effects on student achievement. Computers & Education, 57(3), 1885–1892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.04.001
O’Neill, S., Deegan, J., Ramjit, S., Reynolds, J. V., & Donohoe, C. L. (2023). ‘SurgTalk’: The educational outcomes associated with development of a surgical podcast for undergraduate medical students. Journal of Surgical Education, 81(2), 298–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.10.008
Pierce, N. E. (2022). Learning through listening: A scoping review of podcast use in medical education. Academic Medicine, 97(9), 1289–1297. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000004565
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285.
Wang, S., Meckling, G., Hanafi, S., Kasbia, G. S., Singhal, N., Zhou, C., & Raben, A. (2023). The effects of podcasts on medical education: A systematic review. Preprint. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3297034/v1
Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: Updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52(5), 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x
Wolpaw, J., Ozsoy, S., Berenholtz, S., Wright, S., Bowen, K., Gogula, S., Lee, S., & Toy S. (2022). A multimodal evaluation of podcast learning, retention, and electroencephalographically measured attention in medical trainees. Cureus, 14(11), e31289. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31289
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Andrea Laudadio
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
