The effectiveness of podcasts in enhancing students’ foundational knowledge compared to traditional reading materials

Abstract

Although students are commonly provided with reading materials to prepare for class, many do not engage with them effectively. This lack of preparation may impede their comprehension of course content and limit active participation in class discussions and activities. Alternative content delivery formats, such as podcasts, may present a more engaging and accessible approach, potentially enhancing the retention and understanding of foundational knowledge. This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of podcasts versus traditional reading materials in improving students' foundational knowledge on a given topic.