Tuning into Learning: How Mini Podcasts Spark Focus, Dialogue, and Independence in Thematic Classrooms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61987/educazione.v3i1.418Keywords:
Mini Podcast, Mindful Learning, Class Discussions, Self-StudyAbstract
This study aims to explore how mini podcasts are used as thematic learning media in grades 4–6 of elementary school, as well as their impact on learning attention, class discussions, and student independence. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, learning documentation, and field observations at MI Bustanul Ulum 01. The analysis was carried out thematically using the Miles and Huberman model, which included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of the study show that mini podcasts can increase students' initial focus, create a conducive learning atmosphere, and strengthen material retention. Additionally, these media encourage active participation in thematic discussions and enable students to learn independently outside of class hours. The study's implications suggest that mini podcasts are an effective alternative medium relevant for application in elementary schools, particularly in areas with technological limitations. These findings make an empirical and practical contribution to the development of audio learning media that is contextual and integrated with thematic approaches.
References
Al-Maroof, R. S., Alahbabi, N. M. N., & Salloum, S. (2022). Students’ perception towards behavioral intention of audio and video teaching styles: An acceptance study. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 6(2), 603–618. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2021.11.004
Botelho, F. H. F. (2021). Accessibility to digital technology: Virtual barriers, real opportunities. Assistive Technology, 33(sup1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1945705
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern-based qualitative analytic approaches. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 21(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12360
Bushati, E., & Bregu, Z. (2023). The process of digitalization of audiovisual media in Albania: Legal limitations of ownership and their consequences in the market. Balkan Social Science Review, 21(21), 255–277. https://doi.org/10.46763/BSSR2321255b
Castleberry, A., & Nolen, A. (2018). Thematic analysis of qualitative research data: Is it as easy as it sounds? Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 10(6), 807–815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2018.03.019
Chen, L. (2023). Transactional distance and college students’ learning engagement in online learning: The chain mediating role of social presence and autonomous motivation. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 16, 2085–2101. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S409294
Chen, O., Paas, F., & Sweller, J. (2023). A cognitive load theory approach to defining and measuring task complexity through element interactivity. Educational Psychology Review, 35(2), 63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09782-w
Cleland, J., MacLeod, A., & Ellaway, R. H. (2021). The curious case of case study research. Medical Education, 55(10), 1131–1141. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14544
Colasante, M. (2022). Not drowning, waving: The role of video in a renewed digital learning world. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 38(4), 176–189. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.7951
Errida, A., & Lotfi, B. (2021). The determinants of organizational change management success: Literature review and case study. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 13, 18479790211016270. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790211016273
Evans, P., Vansteenkiste, M., Parker, P., Kingsford-Smith, A., & Zhou, S. (2024). Cognitive load theory and its relationships with motivation: A self-determination theory perspective. Educational Psychology Review, 36(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09841-2
Firth, E., & Marinelli, A. (2025). Datacasting: TikTok’s algorithmic flow as televisual experience. Media and Communication, 13. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.9392
Huda, M. (2023). Towards digital access during pandemic age: Better learning service or adaptation struggling? Foresight, 25(1), 82–107. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-09-2021-0184
Kakhki, S. K., Aghebati, N., & Moonaghi, H. K. (2025). Exploring the impact, challenges, and integration of podcasts in patient education: A systematic review. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), 690. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07217-4
Kawar, L. N., Dunbar, G. B., Aquino-Maneja, E. M., Flores, S. L., Rondez Squier, V., & Failla, K. R. (2024). Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and triangulation research simplified. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 55(7), 338–344. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20240328-03
Kelly, J. M., Perseghin, A., Dow, A. W., Trivedi, S. P., Rodman, A., & Berk, J. (2022). Learning through listening: A scoping review of podcast use in medical education. Academic Medicine, 97(7), 1079–1085. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000004565
Kireitseva, H., Khrutba, V., Patseva, I., Khrutba, Y., & Ustymenko, V. (2025). Using podcasts as an innovative method of environmental education. Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, 81(2), 53–63. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.81.2.37963
König, L. (2021). Podcasts in higher education: Teacher enthusiasm increases students’ excitement, interest, enjoyment, and learning motivation. Educational Studies, 47(5), 627–630. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2019.1706040
Laksmi, N. K. P., Yasa, I. K. A., & Mirayani, K. A. M. (2021). The use of animation video as learning media for young learners to improve EFL students’ motivation in learning English. Lingua, 17(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.34005/lingua.v17i1.1378
Magolda, P. M. (2007). Doing case study research: A practical guide for beginning researchers (review). Journal of College Student Development, 48(1), 123–125. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2007.0003
Meden, E., Radovan, M., & Štefanc, D. (2024). Podcasts and informal learning: Exploring knowledge acquisition and retention. Education Sciences, 14(10), 1129. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14101129
Moore, T. (2024). Pedagogy, podcasts, and politics: What role does podcasting have in planning education? Journal of Planning Education and Research, 44(3), 1134–1147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X221106327
Morgan, D. L., & Nica, A. (2020). Iterative thematic inquiry: A new method for analyzing qualitative data. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920955118. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920955118
Muffels, N., & Van Weyenberg, A. (2024). The activating podcast method: Engaging students through blended learning. E-Learning and Digital Media. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530241277898
Orakcı, Ş., Yüreğilli Göksu, D., & Karagöz, S. (2023). A mixed methods study of the teachers’ self-efficacy views and their ability to improve self-efficacy beliefs during teaching. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1035829. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035829
Roth, W. D., van Stee, E. G., & Regla-Vargas, A. (2023). Conceptualizations of race: Essentialism and constructivism. Annual Review of Sociology, 49(1), 39–58. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-soc-031021-034017
Savall Ceres, J., & Villafán Amezcua, L. A. (2025). The podcast as an educational tool: Faculty perceptions and challenges in two universities. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2536527. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2536527
Soreny, C., Takhar, P., Vickers, E., Bartlett, R., Coates, E., Stavroulakis, T., Fox, E., Davidson, H., Harrison, A., & McDermott, C. (2022). Co-design of digital learning resources for care workers: Reflections on the neurocare knowhow project. Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, 46(6), 518–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/03091902.2022.2089253
Sweller, J. (2023). The development of cognitive load theory: Replication crises and incorporation of other theories can lead to theory expansion. Educational Psychology Review, 35(4), 95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09817-2
Tlili, A., Shehata, B., Adarkwah, M. A., Bozkurt, A., Hickey, D. T., Huang, R., & Agyemang, B. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00237-x
van den Berg, B., Poldner, K., Sjoer, E., & Wals, A. (2022). Practises, drivers and barriers of an emerging regenerative higher education in The Netherlands—A podcast-based inquiry. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(15), 9138. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159138
Yeh, H. C., Chang, W. Y., Chen, H. Y., & Heng, L. (2021). Effects of podcast-making on college students’ English speaking skills in higher education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(5), 2845–2867. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-021-10026-3
Zakaria, N., & Ab Rahman Muton, N. (2022). Cultural code-switching in high context global virtual team members: A qualitative study. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 22(3), 487–515. https://doi.org/10.1177/14705958221137256
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ach. Nurfuad Al-Fajri, Maulida Eka Syaputri, Miftahus Surur, Siti Farian

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.



