World Language Classroom

#34
This is the first of a two-part episode on using technology in language learning.  Joe Dale joins me to talk about technology tools and resources to support students in the language classroom. Joe…

#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 Identif…

#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 langua…

#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 hel…

#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…

#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 i…

#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 teach…

#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 l…

#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 activitie…

#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 he…

#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 b…

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 c…

#21
In this episode we unpack the 5 C': Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities,  I am joined by Dr. Catherine Ritz who walks us through what exactly the 5 C's are and the b…

#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 Mass…

#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 c…

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. Ruc…

#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…

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 …

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 …

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 fo…