The Effectiveness of Using Podcasts in Social Studies to Develop Eighth-Grade Female Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward the Purple Economy
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This quasi-experimental study explores the effectiveness of podcast-based instruction in enhancing knowledge and attitudes among eighth-grade female students in Oman toward the Purple Economy (integrating cultural heritage with sustainable development). The experimental group (n = 40) received podcast-enriched lessons, while the control group (n = 38) received traditional instruction. Outcome assessment used three instruments developed by the researchers: the Purple Economy Knowledge Assessment Test, the Purple Economy Attitude Scale, and the Podcast Perception Scale. The results revealed statistically significant gains in the experimental group’s knowledge and attitudes across all measured domains. Students also reported high levels of engagement with the podcast format, appreciating its clarity, narrative structure, and cultural relevance. These findings underscore the value of podcasts as innovative, learner-centered tools that facilitate deeper cognitive engagement and emotional resonance. This study’s limitations include its small sample (n = 78), being specifically focused on female students, and the short duration of the intervention (three podcast episodes within a four-week program). Large-scale and longitudinal studies could strengthen and generalize these findings. Based on this study, culturally contextualized digital audio resources are recommended for formal education integration, particularly in alignment with Oman Vision 2040’s goals of sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation.
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