The NFLRC is pleased to announce our new Teaching and Learning Languages in the United States (TELL-US) podcast series. This professional learning series aims to examine language teaching and learning in the U.S. from the perspective of “non-insiders” (i.e., teachers who have had to adapt to the culture of teaching and learning languages in the U.S., having come from a different cultural context). Focusing on two broad categories – language pedagogy and school culture, the goal for this program is to create a professional learning resource for novice LCTL teachers who find themselves teaching in a similar situation. Although the podcasts will focus primarily on the LCTL teacher population, they can also be a valuable resource for any other teachers whose educational formation has taken place outside the U.S. Similarly, the episodes may also provide insights for ELL teachers whose students or students’ parents identify with the cultures of the teachers invited to the show or be helpful to preservice teachers learning the essential tenets of modern world language education in the U.S.
All interviews are hosted by Nicole Naditz (2015 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year), either live or asynchronously. The NFLRC contributed its expertise in instructional design and technology and provided logistical support.
Guests for the podcast series include LCTL teachers who have been recognized as successful teachers by their peers, institution, or professional organization. These podcasts provide a unique professional learning resource based on lively conversations with these experienced LCTL professionals who were first educated in the language and culture they teach and who later came to the U.S. and became successful language teachers of their native language.
Resources and references for each podcast interview can be found below as applicable. Enjoy!
The entire podcast playlist can be accessed from our NFLRC Soundcloud channel.
Designing and Delivering Proficiency-Focused Target-Language Input (2023)
Episodes
Episode 1: Understanding the American system of education and language education, part 1
Available November 13, 2023
Asynchronous interviews with Ahmed Hanafy, Cécile Nedellec, Ying Jin, and Yo Azama
Episode 2: Understanding the American system of education and language education, part 2
Available November 14, 2023
Asynchronous interviews with Ahmed Hanafy, Cécile Nedellec, Ying Jin, and Yo Azama
*see note below
Episode 3: What is proficiency (proficiency vs. performance)?
Available November 15, 2023
Live interview with Paul Sandrock and Laura Terrill
Episode 4: Language targets, Can Do statements
Available November 16, 2023
Live interview with Meredith White and Rebecca Blouwolff
Episode 5: Content- and culture-rich target language input that meets and is responsive to the needs of learners
Available November 17, 2023
Asynchronous interview with Leslie Grahn and Amy Lenord
Episode 6: Synthesis, part 1
Available November 20, 2023
Live interview with Heather Sweetser
Episode 7: Synthesis, part 2
Available November 21, 2023
Live interview with Heather Sweetser
Resources
For Episode 1
- None
For Episode 2
*Note: We discovered some unexpected technical glitches had occurred during some of the interview recording in this episode, which resulted in crackly or sped-up audio in a couple places. We apologize for the lesser quality of the audio in these segments.
- 3 Modes of Communication (ACTFL)
- California World Language Project (CWLP)
- Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS)
For Episode 3
- ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (PDF)
- Guidelines Pyramid (image)
- ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (for specific languages)
- High-Leverage Teaching Practices (HLTPs)
For Episode 4
For Episode 5
- None
For Episodes 6-7
- CERCLL Intercultural Competence Conference
- Chat mats already created by others (particular credit to Bethany Carlson Drew!):
- FSI Language Difficulty info
- Moran (2001): Five dimensions of culture
- Planbook