World Language Classroom

#74 Are you a member of your state language association?  Do you know what might be available to language teachers in your state? In this episode, Jenny-Lynn Delfini and Mike Mitchell highlight the work of state associations for language teachers.  Jenny was the 2022 president and Mike is the executive director of NYSAFLT, the New York State Association of Language Teachers. If you’re not a member...

#73 Have you read Common Ground yet?  This book by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins has been widely used by many educators in the language teacher community.  This week's episode is a rebroadcast of my first episode in the series that I devoted to the book in October. I’m sharing it again with the reminder that you have a few weeks left (end of December 2022) to get your own copy of Common...

#72 What does it mean to “teach” a language? In this episode I look at this question, particularly considering the shifts in language teaching and learning over the past 10 years or so. My approach to this question is grounded in a quote from Larson-Freeman and Long that a professor shared with me in graduate school. It continues to guide my approach to teaching.  "[It is not] because some pl...

#71 In this episode I’m taking on the question of leveling up.  We often talk about proficiency levels and the output that goes along with each level.  We’ll take a look at some concrete examples of language produced at each level and I’ll share some suggestions for how we can support students in leveling up their language.  Topics in This Episode: The ACTFL Proficiency Levels (Interpersonal) Novi...

#70 In this episode, we are talking about how we can create a supportive classroom environment so that learners, particularly those new to language learning, feel comfortable speaking the target language.  Julie Baker, The Director of the French Intensive Language Program at the University of Richmond,  joins me to take this a step further with simple ways of modifying speaking activities that we...

#69 This is the third teacher toolbox episode.  I hear from listeners all the time that they like the actionable tips and suggestions for activities that they can use with students next week, or even tomorrow. That usually means effective and beneficial, but somewhat minimal prep.  That’s what I bring you on these Teacher Toolbox episodes.  I have another 4 activities to share with you. Activities...

#68 In this episode, we are talking about skill building and how we can help guide students in moving beyond content mastery and using all that vocabulary and those language structures to communicate.  Andrea Isabelli, a French teacher in Illinois, joins me to talk about how she supports communicative skill development with her students. Topics include: Transatlantic Educators Dialogue Program (TE...

#67 In this episode I’m taking the idea of input a little further.  Most of us are on board and understand the importance of making input comprehensible for students.  But, how can we check that the language is actually being understood by students? Because if they’re not understanding they’re not acquiring. I’ll share tips for checking for understanding and what to do with the info we get. Topics...

#66 This is part 2 of my conversion with Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins, the authors of Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom . We had so much to cover that I had to break it down into 2 episodes. Today, Florencia, Maris and I discuss engaging the communication modes at different developmental levels, moving from input to output, particularly when working wit...

#65 These are the episodes that we have been waiting for. The  first of a 2-part conversion with Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins, the authors of Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom . We had so much to cover that I had to break it down into 2 episodes.  This is the first part and next Monday (episode 66) you will hear part 2. Today, Florencia, Maris and I dis...

#64 In this episode, we’re talking about inspiring and sparking enthusiasm in our students.  Katie Acosta and Amy Haney, Spanish teachers in Ohio,  join me today to explore this topic.  Their blog, sparkenthusiasm.com , is dedicated to building student excitement and genuine interest in the language classroom. Topics include: the benefits of positive energy in the classroom, both from a student an...

#63 In this episode we look at input and output. These two simple words can appear simple, but there is a lot to explore when it comes to what they actually look like in the classroom. This is the fourth of 5 episodes dedicated to the book Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins. In two weeks you will hear the final episode of...

#62 In this episode, we talk about pacing in our language classrooms.  How do we determine the amount of time that students should spend on particular activities? Part of this involves when and how to use Brain Breaks.  Fadi Aboughoush, an Arabic teacher in Chicago, has a wealth of information and ideas on this topic.  Topics include: class structure and pacing and why it is important to plan in a...

#61 In this episode we look at goals, and assessment of those goals, in teaching and learning language.  This is the third of 5 episodes dedicated to the book Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins. Actionable insights and takeaways that you can use right away as you set goals for your students and create the assessments that...

#60 In this episode we discuss building and leading a proficiency-based language department.  Tim Eagan, the 6-12 Department Head of World Languages in Wellesley, MA, joins me to talk about his experience leading his department through the process of embracing proficiency. Topics in the episode: contemporary and emerging research and the shift in approach and expectations. what collaboration looks...

#59 In this episode we look at the guiding principles and fundamentals of language acquisition and how they should influence our teaching.  This is the second episode dedicated to the book Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins.  They are very effective at laying out the fundamentals of SLA, and it is essential that we underst...

#58 This episode was recored live during the National Foreign Language Center's Virtual Summit.  Ben Tinsley, a French teacher in Pennsylvania, joins me to talk about equitable feedback in the language classroom.  We all know how essential feedback is for students in their language learning process, but does feedback look the same for all students.  Ben Tinsley provides insights along with ac...

#57 In this episode I’m beginning my series on exploring Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins. There will be 5 episodes total between now and the end of October.  Today we take a general look at why this book, why now, why I am such a fan.  Topics in the episode: Why this book? Why now?  Why I’m a fan of Florencia Henshaw an...

#56 In this episode we look at planning in the language classroom.  Whether it is for an entire year, a particular unit or even an individual lesson, backwards design and planning is quite effective.  It also helps to ensure that we are focusing on all of the modes and that our ultimate goals are for students to do something with the target language vocabulary, structures and themes that they are...

#55 After an exciting and productive summer I am back with new episodes of the World Language Classroom podcast.  In this episode We will talk about setting the tone for the school year along with some ideas for getting to know your students and beginning to build a sense of community in the classroom. I also speak about what I have been up to this summer and what you can expect for this school ye...

#54 This is the last episode in Summer Headspace series. I revisit episodes 25 and 36. These are the 2 Teacher Toolbox episodes where I give you low (and mostly no) prep activities for your language classroom. Listen to the episodes: Episode #25: Go-To Activities for Your Teacher Toolbox (Vol 1)  Episode #36: Go-To Activities for Your Teacher Toolbox (Vol 2)  Work with Joshua either in person or r...

#53 In this episode of the Summer Headspace series I revisit episode 14 with Timothy Chávez, who talks about using textbooks in the language classroom and episode 23 with Bertha Delgadillo who speaks about online translators. Listen to the episodes: Episode #14: Textbooks with Timothy Chávez Episode #23: Online Translators with Bertha Delgadillo Work with Joshua either in person or remotely . Sign...

#52 In this episode of the Summer Headspace series I revisit episode 30 with Alison Weinhold,who talks about using music in the language classroom and episode  31 with Sarah Moghtader who speaks about doing movie and picture talks. Listen to the episodes: Episode #30: Music in the Classroom with Alison Weinhold Episode #31: Movie and Picture Talks with Sarah Moghtader Work with Joshua either in pe...

#51 In this episode of the Summer Headspace series I revisit episode 32 on Krashen's Input Hypothesis and episode 13 on teaching with Comprehensible Input. Listen to the episodes: Episode #32: The Origins of CI: Krashen's Input Hypothesis  Episode #13: Dive Into Comprehensible Input with John Bracey Work with Joshua either in person or remotely . Sign up for Talking Points, my weekly new...

#50 In this episode of the Summer Headspace series I revisit episode 27 on Diversifying the Language Curriculum and episode 33 on Integrating Can Do Statements and the Social Justice Standards. Listen to the Episodes: Episode 27: Diversifying the Language Curriculum with Ben Tinsley Episode 33: Integrating Can Do Statements and the Social Justice Standards with Cécile Lainé Work with Joshua either...