tests – we teach languages

April 5, 2019May 2, 2019 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 98: OPI, the Proficiency Levels, and Expectations for Student Performance with Ellen Toubman and Ryan Rockaitis

In ep 98, Ellen Toubman and Ryan Rockaitis discuss the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and ACTFL proficiency guidelines. For teachers who want to know more about how to use the proficiency levels to design instruction that moves students along the proficiency path, this episode is full of big ideas and practical examples you can apply to your own classroom.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2019/04/05/ep-98-with-ellen-toubman-ryan-rockaitis

We welcome feedback, resources, and diverse perspectives on this topic! To contribute to the conversation started here, leave us a voicemail or send a text message to (629)888-3398. Or you can follow us on Twitter @weteachlang or leave a comment at weteachlang.com.

February 15, 2019February 14, 2019 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 92: Meta-Reflection, Assessment, and ePortfolios with Elena Mangione-Lora

Stacey interviews Elena Mangione-Lora from the University of Notre Dame about her work using meta-reflection and ePortfolios as a final assessment. Elena discusses why and how she made the transition to portfolio assessment. She also shares some of the scholarship she consulted and the data she collected during implementation.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2019/02/15/ep-92-with-elena-mangione-lora

November 9, 2018November 9, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 78: Motivation, Authentic Input, and Learning a New Way of Thinking with Wilbur Wong

In ep 78, Han Xioa interviews her former professor, Wilbur Wong, about his approach to teaching English as a foreign language in a Chinese university. Professor Wong touches on some important topics in language teaching including motivation, the importance of authentic resources, and the usefulness of standardized tests.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2018/11/09/ep-78-wilbur-wong

August 24, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 67: Pursuing Proficiency with Williamson County Schools, Part II

In ep 67, Stacey talks with the Williamson County Schools world languages curriculum writing team including teachers Amanda Baker, Robert Collard, Chelsea Graves, Nicole Hernandez, Brian Rentfro, and Rebecca Roa, district supervisor Christi Gilliland, and consultant Thomas Sauer. In the second part of this interview, they discuss some of the changes they have made in their teaching and describe what a proficiency-oriented classroom looks like. This week’s episode is part II of the interview. Also check out episode 66 to hear part I in which the team discusses the remarkable assessment results their students have achieved.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2018/08/24/ep-67-with-williamson-county-schools-part-ii

August 17, 2018August 24, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 66: Pursuing Proficiency with Williamson County Schools, Part I

In ep 66, we share a conversation between Stacey and seven members of the Williamson County Schools world languages curriculum writing team, teachers Amanda Baker, Robert Collard, Chelsea Graves, Nicole Hernandez, Brian Rentfro, and Rebecca Roa, and district supervisor Christi Gilliland. Representing three different languages, this group of colleagues has been meeting for the last three summers to write a new curriculum that moves their students toward proficiency. In this interview, the teachers report on the success of the new curriculum, and talk about their external assessments which show remarkable student gains.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2018/08/17/ep-66-with-williamson-county-schools-part-i

August 10, 2018November 15, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 65: Preparing Students for Tests with Savas Savides and Dongbing Zhang

In ep 65, Stacey brings in several guests to discuss preparing students to take those big, standardized tests that students around the world take to certify their language ability, a practice that comes with some benefits but also some challenges. We will revisit some previous episodes, and hear from two guests that are new to the podcast, Savas Savides, an educational consultant in Greece, and Dongbing Zhang, a PhD student in Australia who has also taught English in China.

For links and show notes, visit https://weteachlang.com/2018/08/10/ep-65-with-savas-savides-and-dongbing-zhang

May 11, 2018May 12, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 52: Story Listening and Efficient Acquisition with Beniko Mason

In ep 52, Dr. Beniko Mason joins the podcast to talk to Stacey about Story Listening and the most efficient way for learners to acquire language. In her four decades of teaching and researching, Dr. Mason has produced both impressive research as well as impressive results for her students. Be sure to check out the show notes to find links to her publications and current projects.

For links and show notes, visit http://weteachlang.com/2018/05/11/ep-52-with-beniko-mason

January 12, 2018January 12, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 35: Teaching English and French to English-speaking Students with Laura Parker

In ep 35, Stacey talks with Laura Parker about her experiences teaching both English and French to native English-speaking students. Laura discusses the overlaps between the two types of language teaching and some the challenges that ELA teachers face in the US high school context.

For links and show notes, visit http://weteachlang.com/2018/01/12/ep-35-with-Laura Parker

January 5, 2018January 6, 2018 staceymargarita WTL Podcast Episodes

We Teach Languages Episode 34: Assessments, Affect, and Proficiency Goals with Raul Rosales

In ep 34, Danielle Dorvil interviews Professor Raul Rosales Herrera, Associate Professor of Spanish at Drew University. Raul discusses his perspective on excellent language teaching and the goals he and his institution have set for students.

For links and show notes, visit http://weteachlang.com/2018/01/05/ep-34-with-raul-rosales