USING PODCASTS TO CONNECT SCIENTISTS WITH STUDENTS

Broadening participation in the classroom requires student engagement. Interest in topics often increase when students can relate to scientists’ backgrounds, experiences, and personal challenges. Podcasts introduce students to diverse content experts who are actively researching topics that are portrayed as “finished” in textbooks. Students also learn the scientific process isn’t as straightforward as often depicted. Scientists add their unique voices and enthusiasm to the discussion, introducing relatable personalities that challenge most students’ stereotype of a scientist.