Summary of #004 | How To Use Podcasts To Learn English (Like A Boss) | English Learning for Curious Minds Pod

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Podcasts as a Learning Tool:
  • Podcasts are an underrated resource for learning English.
  • They can significantly improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
  • Listening to native speakers through Podcasts helps learners acclimate to natural speech patterns.
• Challenges of Learning with Podcasts:
  • Learning through Podcasts can be difficult because it relies solely on auditory cues, unlike videos that provide visual support.
  • Many learners find Podcasts hard and may revert to easier forms of media, such as films or videos with subtitles.
• Effective Podcast Learning Methodology:
  • The speaker outlines a structured approach to maximize learning from Podcasts, emphasizing active engagement rather than passive listening.

Detailed Methodology for Using Podcasts to Learn English

• Preparation:
  • Choose a podcast that interests you, ideally 10-20 minutes long.
  • Ensure it has a transcript available.
  • Find a quiet space and minimize distractions (put your phone on airplane mode).
• Listening Phase:
  1. Listen to the podcast once without taking notes or using a dictionary. Aim to understand about 80% of the content.
  2. After the first listen, write down any questions or interesting points in the target language.
• Second Listening:
  1. Listen again with a notebook. Pause to write down new vocabulary, interesting phrases, or structures.
  2. Take notes in the target language, leaving unknown words to look up later.
• Transcribing:
  1. Listen a third time and transcribe the entire podcast, either by typing or writing.
  2. Circle any words you don’t understand for later review.
• Reviewing:
  1. Compare your Transcription with the provided transcript, checking for accuracy.
  2. Look up any unclear vocabulary and revise your notes.
• Shadowing:
  1. Record yourself mimicking the podcast host to practice pronunciation and fluency.
  2. Repeat this process to improve over time.
• Additional Activities:
  • Write a summary of the podcast to enhance writing skills.
  • Discuss the podcast with a friend or language partner to practice speaking and reinforce learning.
• Housekeeping Tips:
  1. Adjust the playback speed of the podcast to suit your comprehension level.
  2. Set a regular time for podcast listening to build a consistent learning habit.

Comparison to Other Learning Methods

The structured podcast approach can provide a more intensive and beneficial learning experience compared to watching films or videos, which may not engage learners as effectively.

Conclusion

Engaging with Podcasts actively can accelerate language learning significantly, potentially five to ten times faster than passive methods.

Speakers or Sources Featured

• Alistair Budge
• Leonardo English (platform)

Notable Quotes

— 02:28 — « The reason that podcasts feel so hard is that you don't have any of the other signals. »

— 04:47 — « It's clear that using podcasts is harder but a lot more rewarding. »

— 16:19 — « Using this method will mean that you learn five to ten times faster than you would do if you were just brainlessly flicking through Netflix or YouTube. »

Category

Educational

Video