Category Archives: Discussion/Methodology

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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Redefining Boot Verbs with CI

Posted on September 25, 2016 by

We’ve all heard of “boot verbs” to teach the conjugations forms of stem-changing verbs. Take the i–>ie stem changing verb querer: Cute, right? Well, sure….If you want your students to only be able to memorize verb forms without actually acquiring … Continue reading →

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Get a scoop of Proficiency

Posted on September 6, 2016 by

It was last year that I blogged about Promoting Performance, and I adopted Shelby County School’s ice cream metaphor throughout the year to talk about  performance and proficiency with my students. My phrase to students on assessments or just to encourage them … Continue reading →

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What’s the Acronym for Acquisition?

Posted on June 13, 2016 by

We’ve all heard them. Most of us have probably even used them at one point or another. I’m talking about those cute little songs and acronyms to memorize grammar rules, irregular forms, verbs, and more. Example: Your students are learning … Continue reading →

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