Category Archives: Discussion/Methodology

White privilege of Names

Posted on June 19, 2020 by

As you may know, I have devoted several blog posts over the years to the issue of assigning or letting students choose “Spanish names” in the Spanish classroom. Now with many more teachers being more aware of what white privilege … Continue reading →

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Why students use google translate and what teachers can do

Posted on May 14, 2020 by

During the quarantine, I’ve seen a lot of teachers complaining about students submitting work in which they’ve used Google Translate. The problem is not new for language teachers, but without being able to have all writing done in the classroom … Continue reading →

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Frase Secreta: Spanish Passwords

Posted on January 2, 2020 by

With a new year upon us, now is the perfect time to start a new routine in your classroom. I know most teachers are familiar with the work of Harry Wong, but how many of us apply those practices every … Continue reading →

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Why giving “Spanish Names” in Spanish class has unintended consequences

Posted on September 1, 2019 by

What was once a very common practice in Spanish classrooms has now become a bit controversial. While many teachers are choosing to no longer give students random “Spanish names”, the practice still continues. But those that continue to give names … Continue reading →

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License to speak

Posted on July 17, 2019 by

In the past we’ve used the analogy of acquiring languages as being like learning to swim. Is it best to jump in the deep end of the pool with no support? Is it practical to learn the techniques and physics … Continue reading →

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Leveling up

Posted on January 31, 2019 by

When a gamer beats a level of a game and moves on to the next level, it is called “Leveling up”. In certain games, you can increase your chances by earning more points, collecting coins, or obtaining specific weapons to … Continue reading →

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Proficiency Mindset Presentation

Posted on November 3, 2018 by

      This past month, at the Illinois Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ICTFL) annual fall conference, I gave my first presentation in a session titled “Proficiency Mindset”. To view the presentation click: http://bit.ly/ProfMindset Let me know … Continue reading →

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Language Acquisition Quote

Posted on November 15, 2017 by

If you are a teacher who teaches with comprehensible input (TCI) and accepts the research of language acquisition, I find it helpful to explain the reasons for doing what we do in class to students. This helps them understand the … Continue reading →

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CI Midwest Takeaways 2

Posted on October 14, 2017 by

It’s been about a busy month since CI Midwest took place but we finally have some time to post a few more of our thoughts and takeaways. Notes from Justin Slocum Bailey’s (@indwellinglang) session:

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Comprehensible Midwest Takeaway 1

Posted on October 2, 2017 by

This past weekend, I spent my Saturday with nearly 200 like-minded teachers at an amazing conference in Ripon, Wisconsin during the second annual Comprehensible Midwest Conference.  It was such an amazing experience and I congratulate the small group that worked … Continue reading →

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