PodcastingHSbrainstorm


 * Podcast:** "Just Vocabulary" by Jan Folmer
 * XML Link**: http://feeds.feedburner.com/JustVocabulary

My Advanced Placement English students struggle with SAT-style vocabulary words. In addition to appearing on their SATs, these terms show up in passages and multiple choice questions on the AP exam. What I like so much about this podcast, besides the fact that it comes to us from Capetown, South Africa (//global community in action)//, is the choice of terms. They are practical and useful for students. The structure of the podcast is designed to reinforce student learning. Each time a new podcast is released, two new terms are presented, used correctly in complex sentences, defined, and a term from a previous podcast is reviewed. The podcaster notes figurative definitions and derivations of the terms. All in all, it's a very well-done 5-minute study package which I believe I will begin to use with my students. After assigning a couple of episodes, I would feel comfortable assessing whether students are able to use this resource to broaden their vocabularies. The content on the XML page is a fantastic way for students to visually review (in addition to auditory review). The original site includes flashcards, which kinesthetically-oriented students could access from their cell phones. Fantastic!


 * Indicator 3.2.2.** The student will differentiate connotative from denotative meanings of words.
 * Indicator 3.2.3.** The student will describe how readers or listeners might respond differently to the same words.
 * Indicator 3.2.4.** The The student will describe regional and social language differences.

//Although all of the Indicators could be addressed as a response to this vocabulary-learning podcast because of its rich content and effective structure, the multi-cultural appeal of the presentation package provides an excellent starting point for discussions about diction. Because the podcaster is ESOL, he is a powerful model for students.//

Original Text - Reading Selections from an [|In-Class Timed Writing] (selections from Nixon and Kennedy's Speeches Podcast -
 * Recorded Podcast for Classroom Use**