Hello, we, Gabriel Keney and Eunice Oduro, graduate students at UNC Greensboro in the Educational Research Methodology program explore the growing popularity of evaluation-focused podcasts, their complementary role in evaluation training, and offer strategies for incorporating podcasts into evaluation education curriculums.
Research shows that podcasts are useful and effective learning tools that improve students’ learning and study habits, and increase academic performance. They offer a dynamic and accessible medium for students to engage with complex subjects beyond traditional classroom methods. Its use has increased in higher education settings and is available in audio, and video formats on YouTube or Spotify.
Benefits of Using Podcasts in Teaching Evaluation
Dana Linnell and Hayat Askar have compiled several evaluation-focused podcasts that demonstrate their growing popularity and significance in communicating evaluation knowledge. Evaluation-focused podcasts complement evaluation training by covering diverse and often underrepresented topics in standard curricula including providing insights into career opportunities, innovations like AI integration in evaluation, addressing race, diversity and inclusion, enhancing soft skills for evaluators, and real-life accounts of career paths, challenges and networking strategies.
Podcasts are easily accessible anytime and anywhere through the internet and can be played on laptops, computers, tablets, or mobile phones. When incorporated into evaluator education curriculums, they allow students to learn at their own and schedule. Featuring interviews with a diverse range of voices including evaluation experts, professors, young and emerging evaluators, and recent graduates, podcasts provide current and real world insights into the evaluation field. This exposure not only inspires students but also provide practical tips that help them to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, while staying abreast with the latest trends in the field. The variety of voices and perspectives enrich students’ understanding, broaden their outlook and foster a more inclusive approach to evaluation.
Strategies for Integrating Podcasts into the Evaluation Curriculum
To effectively leverage and integrate podcasts into the evaluation curriculum, we propose the following structured approach:
- Curate Relevant Podcasts: Select high-quality podcasts that cover various topics relevant to the course objectives.
- Align with Learning Objectives: Ensure that podcast content aligns with specific learning objectives and complements existing course materials. This alignment reinforces key concepts and enhances overall learning.
- Create Assignments and Discussions: Develop assignments and discussion prompts based on podcast episodes. These could include reflective essays, group discussions, or case study analyses derived from podcast content. Such activities encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material.
- Guest Speakers and Live Q&A: Invite podcast hosts or featured guests to engage with students through live Q&A sessions. This interaction fosters direct engagement and provides students with opportunities to ask questions and gain deeper insights.
Lessons Learned
Integrating innovative tools like podcasts into the curriculum is crucial for developing well-rounded and skilled evaluators. As the field of evaluation continues to evolve, incorporating podcasts into the teaching of evaluation offers a dynamic and enriching educational experience because of its flexibility, and ability to provide real-world insights, and promote diverse perspectives that can enhance students’ professional development.
Rad Resources
- EvaluLand by Dana Linnell
- The Color of Success: The Black Academic Experience
- The Evaluation Couch by Maria Montenegro
- EvalEdge by European Evaluation Society
- Eval Cafe
- Powered by Evidence by Global Evaluation Initiative
- Evaluation Café 2023-24 | The Evaluation Center
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This learning strategy will upscale Evaluation education and learning in the global south generally and Ghana in particular.