Using ABC’s “History Listen” Podcasts as Sources (Years 9–12 History)

Introduction

ABC Radio National’s History Listen podcast series offers high‑quality, Australian‑produced episodes exploring significant events, people and themes. These episodes are free, accessible and grounded in rigorous research, making them ideal for senior History classrooms. They provide narrative depth, diverse perspectives and rich contextual detail that support students’ understanding of complex historical topics.

How to Use It in the Classroom

Teachers can use podcast episodes as primary or secondary sources, depending on the topic. Students listen for perspective, bias, evidence and narrative structure. They can compare podcast accounts with written sources, evaluate reliability, or use episodes as stimulus material for essays or investigations. Podcasts also support multimodal learning and help students engage with history in a more immersive way.

Five practical tips, tricks and ideas for the classroom

• Use a listening guide with key questions
• Play short excerpts to spark discussion
• Compare two episodes covering related themes
• Have students create a timeline based on the episode
• Use podcasts as models for student‑created audio histories

Australian Curriculum Connections

• AC9HH10S02 – Evaluate the reliability and usefulness of sources
• AC9HH10S03 – Analyse perspectives and interpretations
• AC9HH11K02 – Significant events, ideas and people that shaped the modern world
• AC9HH12S02 – Synthesise evidence to develop historical arguments
• AC9HH12S03 – Communicate historical interpretations using appropriate forms