International Journal of Educational Narratives
Vol. 3 No. 5 (2025)

Podcasts as Digital Narratives for Higher Education: Enhancing Engagement and Reflective Learning

Baharuddin Baharuddin (Universitas Muhammadiyah Enrekang)
Clara Mendes (Universidade Estadual Campinas)
Dyah Retno Wulan (Politeknik Ahli Usaha Perikanan)
Erni Hastuti (Universitas Gunadarma)
Livia Alves (Pontifícia Universidade Católica Rio)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background. The integration of digital media in higher education has redefined how students engage with learning materials and construct reflective understanding. Podcasts, as a form of digital narrative, provide flexible, accessible, and multimodal learning experiences that foster critical thinking and personal connection with content. Purpose. This study aims to explore how educational podcasts enhance student engagement, promote reflective learning, and support independent knowledge construction in higher education.   Method. Using a qualitative mixed-method design, data were collected from 120 university students through surveys, focus group discussions, and reflective journals. Thematic and descriptive statistical analyses revealed that podcasts significantly increased learners’ motivation, concentration, and comprehension of complex concepts. Students reported that the narrative and conversational tone of podcasts stimulated reflective thinking and emotional engagement, making learning more meaningful and personalized. Results. The results also indicated that integrating podcasts into coursework encouraged continuous learning beyond the classroom and improved retention through self-paced listening.   Conclusion. The study concludes that podcasts function not only as instructional media but also as digital narratives that humanize learning by merging information delivery with reflection and storytelling.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijen

Publisher

Subject

Description

International Journal of Educational Narratives is an peer reviewed open access journal dedicated to interchange for the results of high quality research in all aspect of Learning and Education. The scope of International Journal of Educational Narratives is not only in the form of study, research, ...