Self-actualization' and Language Learning: Podcasts as Engaging Teaching Materials

Engaging lesson content lays the foundation for effective language learning. Therefore, providing the materials that talk about a specific topic of interest of a student and resonate with him/her on a deeper level, will positively motivate them to learn. According to Abraham Maslow, apart from the four basic needs that must be met first (the need for food, safety, love and self-esteem), people also strive for self-actualization. In light of this, the aim of our paper is to show how podcasts, having the potential to encourage personal fulfilment and self-expression, may be used as motivating teaching material for improving language skills in a fun and informative way.