Using podcasts in teaching Chinese listening skills: advantages and challenges

Abstract

This article explores the application of podcasts in teaching Chinese listening skills, focusing on the advantages and challenges involved. This research is based on data collection methods through student surveys and teacher interviews, to understand the effectiveness of podcasts as a teaching support tool. The results show that podcasts offer significant advantages in improving students' listening skills. Students can self-study anytime, anywhere, taking advantage of the flexibility and richness of podcast content to practice listening more effectively. In particular, podcasts provide rich resources on intonation, accent and diverse communication situations, helping students access natural and lively Chinese. However, research also points out some challenges when using podcasts in teaching. Some students find it difficult due to lack of direct interaction with teachers and classmates, which can affect their motivation to learn and ability to absorb knowledge. In addition, selecting and evaluating the quality of podcasts appropriate to students' levels and needs is also a big challenge for teachers.