What are the best ways to use podcasts for professional development?

1 Finding relevant podcasts

The first step to use podcasts for professional development is to find podcasts that match your interests, goals, and needs. There are many podcasts available on different topics, formats, and platforms, so you need to be selective and strategic. You can start by browsing podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts, and look for categories, keywords, or ratings that relate to your field of education. You can also ask for recommendations from your colleagues, friends, or online communities, or search for reviews and ratings on websites or blogs.

2 Listening actively

The second step to use podcasts for professional development is to listen actively and attentively. This means that you should not just listen to podcasts passively or as background noise, but rather engage with the content and the speakers. You can do this by setting a specific time and place to listen to podcasts, avoiding distractions, taking notes, pausing or rewinding when necessary, and asking yourself questions. For example, you can ask yourself what you learned, what you agreed or disagreed with, what you found surprising or challenging, and what you want to know more about.

3 Reflecting critically

The third step to use podcasts for professional development is to reflect critically on what you heard and how it relates to your own practice. This means that you should not just accept everything you hear as true or relevant, but rather analyze, evaluate, and synthesize the information and the perspectives. You can do this by comparing and contrasting different podcasts, relating them to your own experiences and knowledge, identifying gaps or biases, and drawing conclusions or implications. For example, you can ask yourself how the podcast aligns or differs from your own beliefs, values, or goals, how it challenges or supports your current practice, and how it affects your future actions or decisions.

5 Sharing widely

The fifth step to use podcasts for professional development is to share widely what you listened to, reflected on, and applied. This means that you should not just keep the podcast to yourself, but rather communicate it to others. You can do this by discussing, debating, collaborating, or mentoring with your colleagues, peers, or students, or by creating, publishing, or presenting your own content or products. For example, you can ask yourself who can benefit from the podcast, who can give you feedback or support, who can learn from you or with you, and who can join you or follow you.

6 Learning continuously

The sixth and final step to use podcasts for professional development is to learn continuously and iteratively. This means that you should not just stop at one podcast, but rather keep exploring, listening, reflecting, applying, and sharing. You can do this by subscribing to podcasts, following up on resources, seeking new podcasts, revisiting old podcasts, or creating your own podcasts. For example, you can ask yourself what you want to learn next, what you need to review or revise, what you want to explore or discover, and what you want to share or contribute.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?