Podcast Writing Skills

Curriculum Area: A-Level English Language (Year 13)

Overview

This interactive lesson is designed for Year 13 students studying A-Level English under the UK curriculum. The focus is on understanding the features and format of podcast writing, tailored for a specific tone, purpose, and audience. The lesson leverages creativity and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore the dynamic medium of podcasts.

Lesson Objectives

• Identify the key features of effective podcast writing.
• Understand how tone, purpose, and audience influence podcast content.
• Develop an outline for a short podcast script.
• Engage creatively with peers through interactive activities.

Lesson Duration

Total Time: 60 minutes
Student Group: 3 students

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Sample podcast clips (audio examples)
• Worksheet with prompts for podcast script
• Recording devices (optional for recording)
• Paper and pens

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Warm-up Discussion:
   • Ask students what they know about podcasts. Have they listened to any? What makes a podcast interesting to them?
   • Briefly introduce the purpose of the lesson: Understanding and writing content for podcasts.

Core Activities (45 minutes)

1. Listening & Analysis (10 minutes):

   • Play 2-3 short clips from different podcasts (1-minute each), ensuring a variety of tones and purposes (e.g., informative, storytelling, debate).
   • Discussion prompts:
     • What is the podcast's tone?
     • Who might the target audience be?
     • What is the podcast's purpose?

2. Discussion: Features of Podcast Writing (10 minutes):

   • On the whiteboard, list features of effective podcast writing based on analysis (e.g., engaging introduction, clear structure, signposting).
   • Discuss how these features adapt according to tone, purpose, and audience.

3. Interactive Group Activity: Podcast Planning (15 minutes):

   • Divide students into pairs. Each pair brainstorms an idea for a short podcast on a topic they are passionate about.
   • Use a worksheet to guide planning:
     • Define the target audience.
     • Establish the podcast's tone and purpose.
     • Outline key segments and content points.

4. Script Development (10 minutes):

   • Individually or in pairs, students begin drafting a brief script or introduction for their podcast. Focus on the language style, tone, and engaging content.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Sharing and Feedback:

   • Each pair shares their podcast idea and a snippet of their script with the class.
   • Provide constructive feedback focusing on tone, audience engagement, and structure.

2. Reflection:

   • Ask students to reflect on how podcast writing differs from other forms of writing they've studied.
   • Discuss the importance of adapting writing style for different mediums and audiences.

3. Extension Activity (Optional):

   • Encourage students to continue refining their scripts and, if possible, record a short podcast episode for a future class presentation.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through class participation and the ability to identify and articulate the features and tone of podcast writing.
• Evaluation of the podcast script draft based on clarity, creativity, and adherence to the planned outline.

Teacher Reflection

• After the class, consider what worked well and any adaptations needed for future lessons. Reflect on students' engagement levels and the effectiveness of the interactive elements.

This lesson plan aims to equip Year 13 students with a clear understanding of podcast writing specifics, fostering both critical analysis and creative expression.