Where to Find Strong Examples of Student Podcasts
Providing models of assignments for students is a common practice, but it can be challenging for more unique endeavors. Teachers exploring podcast creation with students may struggle to find appropriate examples. While podcasts are widely available online, many are professionally produced, setting unrealistic expectations or including content not suited for schools. Luckily, there are excellent exemplars out there. Here are four sources of model student podcasts to share in your classroom for inspiration and guidance.
NPR Student Podcast Challenge Winners & Honorable Mentions
For the past seven years, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge has provided an opportunity for students to share their unique perspectives, with the best podcast aired on the renowned public radio station. Although the competition itself is a wonderful addition to any podcast-centric class (including invaluable classroom resources), the announcement of winners and runners-up after the competition provides a wide array of example podcasts for students to listen to.
The list of Honorable Mentions for the 2024 edition of the competition includes over 100 student-made podcasts ranging from grades 4 to 12. All entries follow the required format for the contest (three to eight minutes long using only original sound effects and music), but the topics could not be more unique.
The New York Times Podcast Contest Winners
The New York Times has their own podcast contest aimed at students aged 13 to 19. Any topic is on the line as long as the product is five minutes or less and does not use any copyrighted music or sound effects. They've also provided some wonderful teaching resources in the realm of podcasting including a lesson on how to write for podcasts and a series of instructional videos.
With the 8th annual contest coming to an end, the winners and runners-up are available for listening. The ten winners and twelve runners-up can be found at the link below.
Denver Public Schools Student Voices Podcast Network
If you're looking for examples of video podcasts created by students, the Denver Public Schools Student Voices Podcast Network has set up an impressive program that allows students to record and share filmed conversations for the world to see.
The network includes a variety of school-related programs including DPS Snapshots and EDUCA DPS, but a definite highlight is the Black Voices in Color Podcast. This student-produced podcast has been running since 2020, aiming to empower students and foster valuable skills. DPS students share their thoughts on entrepreneurship, Black culture, and the high school experience in an engaging but casual filmed conversation format.
Connecting on Social Media
Linking up directly with other podcasting teachers adds opportunity not just for providing models for students, but allowing students to give each other feedback throughout the process. Checking out hashtags such as #StudentPodcasting or #StudentVoice on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky can help connect with like-minded educators out there. Consider organizing a podcast exchange, where students listen to and provide feedback on each other's work (assuming proper permission is granted).
Another route is to look into educator communities centered on tools that can be used for podcast creation such as Soundtrap and even WeVideo. Teachers using these tools are more likely to be engaged in podcasting assignments, creating common ground for exchanging resources.
These four routes are just scratching the surface for setting the podcast stage for your students. If you know of any other wonderful resources for model student podcasts, please share in the comments!