World Language Classroom

#33 In this episode we discuss the Learning For Justice Social Justice Standards, incredibly necessary topics in the language classroom.  One of the biggest hurdles is addressing the topics of Identify, Diversity, Justice and Action in the target language.  We do not have to put our language objectives aside when these topics come up.  We can integrate them into our Can Do's.  Cécile Lainé, a...

#32 Where does the whole concept and idea behind Comprehensible Input (CI) come from?  In this episode I walk you through Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis that is part of his theory of second language acquisition that he calls the Monitor Model.  Krashen's Input Hypothesis is the origin of what what we are doing with Comprehensible Input today. What Is Comprehensible Input? Comprehensi...

#31 In this episode we talk about movie and picture talks in the language classroom.  This a popular and effective Comprehensible Input (CI) procedure that uses visual story-telling.  This process helps students to acquire and reenforce vocabulary and language structures in context.  Sarah Moghtader, a French in Massachusetts,  joins me to talk us through the benefits of picture and movie talks an...

#30 In this episode we talk all about using music in the language classroom.  I'm joined by Allison Wienhold, a Spanish Teacher in Iowa, who speaks about the numerous benefits of music in our language classrooms. Allison speaks about: the value and benefits of using music in the language classroom the flexibility of using music, from a few “quick wins” to diving into culture and representatio...

#29 As teachers, and proficient second language speakers,  we have figured out ways to communicate words that we don’t know. We can teach this skill to students early on so that they can begin doing it right away.  Circumlocution is a strategy for describing or defining a concept instead of saying or writing the specific words (when we don't know it). We can teach students how to do this and...

#27 In this episode we look at what world language curriculum has included and what has been left out, with a critical eye on diverse ethnicities and voices.  I'm joined by Ben Tinsley, a French teacher in Philadelphia.  He guides us through his own language learning journey as a Black student and how he did not see himself and the Afro-Black-Caribbean experience reflected in his language lea...

#26 In this episode we are take on the question that we often get from students..."Why are we learning this?"  Ryan Smith joins me to talk about how language teachers can infuse the idea of language learning as an essential skill when preparing students to be ready for college and careers.  Ryan points how many useful communication skills that are developed and honed in the language clas...

#25 This episode is the first in a series of episodes that I will publish 4-5 times a year.  In these "Go-To Activities for Your Teacher Toolbox" episodes you will hear suggestions for go-to activities and games that require little-to-no prep and can be easily modified for any language or proficiency level. Why Games and Activities : useful teaching and learning tool particularly useful...

#24 In this episode we look at how we structure our world language classrooms. How can we redesign our classrooms so that they are more communicative and support risk-taking, promote community, and help students rise in proficiency?  I'm joined by Darcy Rogers, Spanish Teacher and founder of OWL (Organic World Language), who helps us all re-envision what our classroom can be. Darcy speaks abo...

#23 In this episode we take on the question of online translator.  Like most teachers, you probably have experience with students resorting to using them.  But, what do we do about it?  They seem to be here to stay, so we need to figure it out. I'm joined Bertha Delgadillo, a Spanish teacher in Georgia, who is well known for her work with acquisition driven instruction.  She helps us to under...

In this episode we are talking about 90%+ target language use in the classroom.  We start with where this comes from and why we want to do it, then I ask 4 questions about what is happening in your classroom.  These questions will help to focus on some of the challenge areas and I provide some ways to address them. Q1: Are prompts and tasks at the appropriate proficiency level? Q2. Do students hav...

#21 In this episode we unpack the 5 C': C ommunication, C ultures, C onnections, C omparisons, and C ommunities,  I am joined by Dr. Catherine Ritz who walks us through what exactly the 5 C's are and the benefits of using them in our language classrooms. Catherine speaks about: the World Readiness Standards and their relationship to the 5 C’s what the 5 C’s are with an example of what ea...

#20 In this episode we talk about rubrics, not just as an assessment tool, but also as a way to help students grow in proficiency. I'm joined by Beckie Bray Rankin, a high school French Teacher in Massachusetts, who has presented widely on the topic of rubrics...or, as she refers to them, the "thingamabob that does the job." Beckie talks about: what pre-rubric teaching was like how...

#19 In this episode we are talking about using centers (or stations) in the language classroom.  I am joined by Trudy Anderson, a teacher with considerable experience with designing and implementing centers. Trudy guides us in understanding... if centers are for useful for all levels and students why we should consider stations how to  set up centers types of stations materials and where to get th...

In this episode we are talking all about student motivation in the language classroom.  Where does it come from?  How can we motivate students?  [ sign up for Talking Points ] I'm joined by Tracy E. Rucker, a widely respected and insightful French teacher, who walks us through his personal experience with student motivation and offers some actionable advice for all language teachers. Tracy ta...

#18 In this episode we are talking about Can Do Statements.  Are yours truly communicative and proficiency-based, allowing students to show what they can do with the language? We discuss: what the ACTFL Can Do Statements are and why they were created the Intercultural Can Do Statements how to write an effective Can Do Statement that is rooted in the proficiency level of your class what makes a Can...

In this episode we are talking about the relationship between those who do the research on teaching and learning language and those who teach  in the classroom.  [ sign up for Talking Points ] What can teachers take from research findings and use in their classroom?   What if the students in front of us are different (almost always the case) from those used in the study? What can researchers do to...

In this episode we talk about stories in the language classroom.  Stories provide opportunities to see and interpret words and structures in context.  There are numerous opportunities to engage with the text in all of the communication modes.  Additionally, students learn about different cultures and can also see themselves reflected in the story.  This form of representation is incredibly valuabl...

In this episode we are talking about textbooks.  Some of us use them, some of us don't.  Maybe you are required to use one and maybe it's a choice.  Wherever you are with textbooks there's a place for you in this conversation.  [ sign up for Talking Points ] I am joined by Timothy Chavez, a Millennial Teacher, who, as you will hear, is part of a generation of students that were &quo...

In this episode we talk all about comprehensible input (CI), which you will see is a useful approach in teaching and learning any language. [ sign up for Talking Points ] I am joined by John Bracey, a Latin teacher, who uses CI very effectively with his students.  He also makes a strong case for all teachers to try out CI, including Latin teachers. John speaks about... his journey with CI and how...

In this episode I walk through the ACTFL Proficiency Levels and Performance Descriptors. [ sign up for Talking Points ] Topics: What they are How  they are used in teaching and learning How they are designed How they are organized What each proficiency level involves Breakdown of Interpersonal Proficiency Levels How to use Proficiency Levels (Performance Descriptors) in the classroom Blog posts:  ...

In this episode we talk about Free Voluntary Reading (FVR) in the in language classroom. [ sign up for Talking Points ] I am joined by Jade Greene, a high school teacher in North Carolina, who helps us understand the benefits of reading in the target language and how to set up FVR in our language classrooms. Jade speaks about... the primary benefits of promoting a culture of reading in the languag...

In this episode we talk about equity in the in language classroom, but it's really about equity in any classroom.  [ sign up for Talking Points ] I am joined by A.C. Quintero who helps us to understand the importance of creating a classroom and student experience that moves beyond equality and focuses on an authentic equity. A.C. speaks about... what students “bring” to the classroom that lan...

In this episode we talk about grammar.  This is always a hot topic in language teaching with lots of questions about how (or even if) we should do it.  [ sign up for Talking Points ] I am joined by Mike Travers, a teacher in Massachusetts, who has presented on this topic many times at teacher conferences, having been named "Best of Conference."  So, who better to help with this conversat...

In this episode I discuss the communication modes, including a look back at the legacy teaching focused on the 4 skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Then moving into the arrival of the Communication Modes, which don’t erase the skills, but rather put them into a communicative context.   [ sign up for Talking Points ] The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines put communication into these cat...