From Playback to Proficiency: The Role of English Podcasts in Developing EFL Learners' Speaking and Vocabulary Skills in EFL Contexts

Abstract

In recent years, podcasts have become increasingly popular as a means of supporting language development, particularly in terms of incidental vocabulary learning and speaking fluency. Although podcasts are increasingly integrated into educational settings, research specifically focusing on their effectiveness in EFL classrooms remains relatively scarce. This study explores the impact of three English-language podcast series: All Ears English (AEE), Splendid English (SE), and Coffee Break English (CBE) on vocabulary acquisition and speaking performance among EFL learners. A quasiexperimental approach was used, involving 139 Iranian participants who were assigned to one of four groups: three experimental groups, each exposed to a different podcast series over a 13-week period, and one control group (CG) that continued with conventional instruction without access to podcasts. Standardized tests evaluated vocabulary and speaking abilities at both the beginning and conclusion of the intervention period. All three podcast groups achieved better results than the CG did in both vocabulary and speaking assessments after the intervention. The experimental groups showed no significant differences in their outcomes which indicates that each podcast series provided equivalent benefits. The research demonstrates that podcast-based instruction in any format can effectively support traditional EFL teaching methods. The flexible nature of podcasts makes them suitable for educators to select multiple resources which provide authentic language exposure and support incidental learning for their students.

Keywords

Full text

How to cite