Biology is often perceived as a demanding subject, mainly because it involves a large number of technical terms, abstract processes, and memorization. As a result, students frequently lose interest in the subject, participate in lessons only passively, and understand the content only superficially. Traditional teaching approaches are therefore increasingly unable to meet the needs of modern generations of students. Teachers are expected to incorporate active learning, independent student research, and connections between knowledge and everyday life into their teaching.
Modern biology teaching should not be based solely on the transmission of information, but also on the development of competencies necessary for life in contemporary society. Among the most important competencies are critical thinking, communication, collaborative work, the thoughtful use of information and communication technology, and the ability to conduct independent research. Podcasts have proven to be an interesting and effective tool in this context, as they enable students to take an active role in learning biology. This does not only involve listening to content, but primarily creating their own podcasts, in which students must explore a particular topic, find appropriate sources, prepare a script, and finally present the content to listeners in an understandable and engaging way. Such an approach encourages higher cognitive levels of learning, as students analyze, evaluate, and transform learning content into a meaningful explanation for listeners.
The studies presented in this master’s thesis show that podcast creation has a positive impact on analytical thinking, self-confidence in public speaking, and the ability to understand scientific sources. It also positively influences students’ interest in learning biology, as they gain a greater sense of autonomy, develop creativity, and have the opportunity to present their work to peers, which increases their sense of responsibility and the importance of their work. In this way, students also develop communication skills, as they learn to express themselves clearly and argue their viewpoints effectively.
However, this approach also presents certain challenges, as it requires a considerable amount of time, good organization, and a certain level of digital literacy. Students are often encountering audio recording, editing, and sound processing for the first time, which makes teacher guidance essential. The teacher must carefully plan the project, define clear objectives, and guide students throughout the process. It is important that the podcast does not become merely a technical task, but remains a tool for high-quality biology learning.
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