#langchat Archive
#LangChat is dedicated to the discussion of topics associated with issues and trends in world language instruction and learning. Educators, administrators, learners, and aficionados of world languages are encouraged to participate and share their experiences and input on various topics such as new ways to teach vocabulary, using music in the language classroom, and making standards-based grading valid. This chat is also unique in that it brings together language educators worldwide and from different contexts (elementary, secondary, higher education, etc.) and languages.
Thursday May 26, 2016
To those who have finished the year, congrations, to those in the throes, hangon and hangout!
and by congrations, i mean, of course, congratulations...
Looking forward to after taking a short break to prepare for my upcoming move from OH to MO.
Before we get going...Introductions, please. Who are you? Where and what do you teach?
Good evening . I'm Mark, HS Spanish teacher in MA. I like this topic.
Hannah teaching in WI - Spanish grades 5-12, novice levels
Amanda from WI and multitasking with and grading HS SPANISH
Melanie in Ohio (and staying there!). Spanish 1-3. Done for the summer!
Hi . I'm John, teaching HS Japanese in South Texas.
Diego Ojeda, Louisville, KY Spanish
Lisa, French, currently from OH but soon to be from KC, MO.
Bonsoir, Kris, French 9-12 in Nashville. I'll try to steer the ship with able comods , along the way.
Hi guys! I'm Amanda. HS Spanish in Lawrence, KS
Hi, ! Justin, Latin & German w HS & adults, Ann Arbor, MI. Fun fact: according to my birth cert, I don't have a name.
Hi ! I'm Maris in Maryland and I teach MS/US Spanish!
We know you love to . Check out to collaborate w colleagues in person on 10/8 at Piscataway HS. Registration is on 6/1!
Shelly, Edmond Oklahoma. Middle school as of next year. All elementary programs cut in my district.
Hola amigos! Laura in NC, and summer vacation has OFFICIALLY begun!
Hey ! Keli here. Lead Spanish teacher for Learn Safari. I'm in Jax, Fl.
Welcome, all, new and returning 'ters.
Cecile, French, TN. Bonsoir
Hola-Rebecca from NE HS Spanish
Hi Viviana in LA dragging herself across the finish line. . Spanish for the Middles.
Erin Parris-Dallia from SE Mich, Spanish & French
We''ve got four good Qs pre-loaded. Remember to use the Q/A convention...
Justin, can't wait to met you at
Michelle, CT, new teacher of Spanish
Hola! Angela from CA, Spanish HS
SO glad you are coming Laura! rocks
stars have aligned! can join - no classes at 9am on a Friday, mid-term. Here in Japan teaching ESL after teaching Japanese in Oz
Remember to include A1 in your answers,
A1 I like to remember life goals are not all professional--language is huge for those relationship goals!
What fun we'll have! Oh, Cécile, congrats on BB dit la vérité!!!
Kelly, elem Spanish, NC. Checking in periodically as I hide from MIL who has been here visiting for a week. 😁
A1 We have to show them that lang is for more than just future Ts
A1 surveying Ss beforehand to match units or materials to Ss' plans
A1: Before that we must help them discover their own, personal goals.
Late to the party! Becky from c-bus, OH, I teach MS Spanish
Laura Catherine HS Spanish in Iowa We're done on Tuesday, but who's counting? :)
I have a couple Ss who list "there are cute Spanish-speaking boys" among their reasons for continuing to study Spn.
A1 find to connect student interests with unit goals
A1: make their learning authentic in the classroom so they can make connections! does live airport scene in class!
A1 impt to find out what Ss goals are thru surveys and convo, tweak lessons
A1 we started mock job interviews this year, though, 1 kid put her proficiency level on her resume--knocked interviewer socks off!
A1: Modeling, being interested in other things besides the language itself, having passions, too.
its not abt lang al lthe time, but rather perspective, empathy, understanding other cultures A1
A1 authentic resources...show Ss that lang & culture are here and now, not just for some day in another country
ready to explore strategies for life-long learning for students- especially as we send kids off for the summer!
A1: by connecting what we do in the classroom with real life is a start. Make it real to them. https://t.co/88MparUqOj
I had a much better case when I was Sra. Huertero. BUT there's still Abuela's visits (& cooking!)
Salut, hola friends. It's me, Donna in my recently created account.
A1 I hope to help my Ss see how learning languages will open doors they never knew were there.
oh yeah,LOVE the kid who said, "I never even use Spanish now. Except on Tumblr." She LIVES on Tumbler
A1) Relationships: with people, places, works of art. Reframing: ideas, identities, opportunities.
A1 I grade in a way that is modeled after real-world on-the-job reviews so kids have to learn to back up learning with evidence
A1: As language teachers we need to help students become global citizens.
Felicitaciones y bienvenida!
YES! It's about really UNDERSTANDING being the outsider by BECOMING one! https://t.co/6TxFXjco2G
its not abt lang al lthe time, but rather perspective, empathy, understanding other cultures A1
A1 I think it starts w/ sharing our journey & how language & cultural understanding has changed how we see & experience the world
A1: I try to spin it to the Ss day 1 as this is a SKILL they can use. Maybe just to impress people!
A1: personalize it for them and help them make meaning.
WORD! And when their YouTube adds and Pinterest suggestions come up in Spanish?
Yes. Connecting the lang learning to their goals means first knowing and caring about their goals. https://t.co/0CPX4mjIx5
A1 impt to find out what Ss goals are thru surveys and convo, tweak lessons
A1: Using real life scenarios esp in IPAs so students can all see the value
A1: a handful of my Ss wanted to know basic phrases for lifeguarding at pool this summer-they see the need and importance! 👊🏻👍🏻
A1 i've used a clip that shows celebs speaking languages & how it benefits them..they are surprised. Kobe Bryant= Italian
A1: I try to show them that WL is not just a stepping stone, but a path they can follow for as long as they wish
exactly--but not just connect--make it BE the real world! Any goal setting can help achieve future goals!
A1 We also have to help Ss understand the process - proficiency really is a lifelong journey, not "fluent after Level 2 class"
A1 help Ss focus on what they can do and chart growth, rather than what they can´t b/c frustration stalls motivation
A1: Also, when they trust you, they let you help build NEW goals around their newly acquired proficiencies.
Yep. And we gotta get them to start jiggling those handles! https://t.co/MQSzq78RhO
A1 I hope to help my Ss see how learning languages will open doors they never knew were there.
A1 focus on real-life language + student interest + long term acquisition
A1 connecting to SS interest and linking to career goals.
YES! How much better do they understand what they're about when they can see themselves from the outside! https://t.co/9FHWTTnZrc
A1) Relationships: with people, places, works of art. Reframing: ideas, identities, opportunities.
A1 Even if today's life goal is to avoid HW, they can use lang skills to play video games, watch youtube, tweet, etc
I think this is so key to maintaining Ss' drive, throughout our programs & after they leave us as well https://t.co/nT9STN4Gku
A1 help Ss focus on what they can do and chart growth, rather than what they can´t b/c frustration stalls motivation
Ok, ...Q2 just around the bend....
A1: As educators we need to connect language learning with tolerance and respect for all cultures.
I also think when Ss see themselves reading & understanding Authres they feel awesome & powerful
I think that's when an interest in the culture comes in!
A1: Language learning help humans connecting.
HAH! YES! https://t.co/0LRhVLvscX
A1 Even if today's life goal is to avoid HW, they can use lang skills to play video games, watch youtube, tweet, etc
A1 "Do your life goals include enjoying yourself? Another language millionifies the stuff you're able to enjoy!"
I might have to borrow this! "We good get them jiggling those handles!" https://t.co/3Kmx4wGiNJ
Yep. And we gotta get them to start jiggling those handles! https://t.co/MQSzq78RhO
A1 I hope to help my Ss see how learning languages will open doors they never knew were there.
Q2 is up, ....Remember to use A2 in your answers....
Language learning is key in this: understanding what it's like to be misunderstood, and working to make meaning.
very true! In language learning, there is no real end. Even in our L1 always sthg new to learn.
A2 They don't have to undertand all the words and they don't have to write/say it perfectly.
or watch telenovelas on Netflix!
reminds me of 's post today! SO TRUE!
A2 I would think ability to independently select & enjoy authres to read, listen to, watch, consume is a must
A2: to use and appreciate them
A2: My ss really embraced -not having to know every word- and still making meaning from context.
A2 They've got to be able to find new resources, answers to actual questions they have about...anything!
We're on Q2 What skills must we make sure students leave with to make independent learning possible? https://t.co/E9ItfBlGsl
A2: creating a curiosity and love for the language in our classrooms that make them want to take it further themselves!
A2 Grit and determination.
A2 not a skill but if you instill joy/passion/curiosity (by being that yourself) in your ss, independent learning will follow
Q2 I personally feel that Google Translate exists and we need to recognize and teach the tool. Real world.
A2 Patience and dwelling in the unknown, guessing meaning instead of turning immediately to technology for the answer
YES! This is what they need https://t.co/bzpgRhKi2M
A2 not a skill but if you instill joy/passion/curiosity (by being that yourself) in your ss, independent learning will follow
A2 students need to be introduced and exposed to apps like that allow them to be self-directed in their learning
A2 How to find, choose, and use TL content that one loves and that is at a suitable level.
A2 Not necessarily skill but we need to foster both their curiosity to communicate their thoughts & perseverance to see it thru #
Q2: Negotiate meaning, especially in an interpersonal speaking situation.
A2 knowing that mistakes are ok. We understand things all the time w/o it being perfect
A2 def empathy, & comprehension/expression strategies will take Ss long way
WORD. What CAN it do for you? What can't it? I use it a lot to try to learn Portuguese! https://t.co/wOYdWnivhv
Q2 I personally feel that Google Translate exists and we need to recognize and teach the tool. Real world.
A2: You can't be independent if you don't value the way other cultures interpret the world.
A2 yes, this is HUGE. https://t.co/rDo5BylsPT
A2 knowing that mistakes are ok. We understand things all the time w/o it being perfect
I don't know, man, I think those are skills. Some kids come to us so LOST Or maybe discovery is the skill?
I don't know, man, I think those are skills. Some kids come to us so LOST Or maybe discovery is the skill?
A2 absolutely! Circumlocution is key.
I think they have it inside but it has not always been turned on.
A2: I'll say it again, been said by others, curiosity & desire to bridge gaps to others (empathy).
A2: Language learning should be the first lesson in democracy and freedom our students have.That will make them free.
so flipping switches in themselves might be the skill? Too many people miss out on that.
A2 making Ss see that the practice is the learning. The looking at sites, talking, exploring is the real work
Yes, I like how you put it.
THE PRACTICE IS THE LEARNING. Beautifully put! USING it IS how you grow! https://t.co/SDrujEnKZM
A2 making Ss see that the practice is the learning. The looking at sites, talking, exploring is the real work
A2: the desire to TRANSCEND grades and scores and EMBRACE "tests" of their skills
A2) Patience, imagination, respect, curiosity, courage.
A2 To never back away bc "they talk too fast" or "I don't know all the words" Always focus on what you CAN understand
A2: also making sure that you represent all skills as equally as possible
A2 I think learning to make inferences and interpret contexts really equip Ss to feel capable
OK, lifelong learners, Q3 is coming up....
A2: make sure they know that they can't approach language too methodically. It's an organic process
A2 choose resources wisely, understand main idea, persevere, set goals, reflect, share opinions, connect
A2: It occurs to me that many of these qualities would be commonly desired across disciplines, by parents and communities, too.
I call this To WOW & To WOO: WOW Ss with their own success; WOO Ss with the delights of language & culture https://t.co/LTjkz87BR1
A2 not a skill but if you instill joy/passion/curiosity (by being that yourself) in your ss, independent learning will follow
Nice! Help them succeed using "can do statements". https://t.co/F06jQMcGZd
A2 To never back away bc "they talk too fast" or "I don't know all the words" Always focus on what you CAN understand
Q3: How can we identify and counteract education practices that quell S motivation for lifelong learning? https://t.co/bsGcCluKiS
A3 Avoid using grades to motivate
A3 OMG Kill the grades and the homework. STANDARD BASED LEARNING ALL THE WAY.
A3 Fighting the Game of School is soooo hard, when all stakeholders have been taught grades = credit = everything
Great! Simply great! https://t.co/H6TdDsY2Dv
I call this To WOW & To WOO: WOW Ss with their own success; WOO Ss with the delights of language & culture https://t.co/LTjkz87BR1
A2 not a skill but if you instill joy/passion/curiosity (by being that yourself) in your ss, independent learning will follow
This is difficult for many students. They are trained to be linear thinkers. https://t.co/DRW6AOPELX
A2: make sure they know that they can't approach language too methodically. It's an organic process
A3 We need to shift what we evaluate so we can emphasize what we actually want them to VALUE
exactly why they need languages--and us!
A3 great question that I'm exploring at my new job. lead by example. Embrace best practice and seek out what's right for kids
A3 our assessment needs to focus on Lang acquisition and students’ progress along the proficiency spectrum, not on collecting A’s
A3 mastery-based learning. give opportunities for Ss to learn from mistakes without killing their GPAs
A3 So I think we have to both de-emphasize grades, but also make grades work for us and our Ss -- if 0-69 is failing, 1/2
I love it when my kids start talking in terms of "Novice High," "Intermediate" instead of grades!
A3 I believe that choice and student-directed and student-centered learning is the antidote. Museums/interdisciplinary PBL.
Cultural revolution, Revelation. Process IS product. https://t.co/haj90q0A7U
A3 Fighting the Game of School is soooo hard, when all stakeholders have been taught grades = credit = everything
YES! Not grade inflation, but reasonable expectations that everyone CAN get to! https://t.co/r2221WCjdq
A3 mastery-based learning. give opportunities for Ss to learn from mistakes without killing their GPAs
RT: A3 r assessment needs2 focus on Lang acq and students’ progress along the proficiency spectrum, not on collecting A’s
Yes!! A million times yes! https://t.co/dvCSxb9UIC
A3 OMG Kill the grades and the homework. STANDARD BASED LEARNING ALL THE WAY.
A3 then 70% percent of the scale is dedicated to failure. Figure out how to make the grade system equitable 2/2
girl, you know I'm with you! I think PBL makes kids look at learning as meaningful--PURPOSEFUL!
A3 We need to be rid of this "minimum assignments per week" business as well - as if that is ANY indicator of rigor or learning
great answer! I agree-put yourself in Ss shoes and make the learning authentic & fun!
A3 Proficiency has to be the umbrella to protect the sacred safe space where learning happens.
A3 not so easy when Ss want to ¨sit and git¨ via entertainment
A3 count homework, attendance, behavior as non-academic grades- assess their progress not their first attempt
A3: ask yourself "Would you want to be a student in your classroom?"
A3 this whole concept of "test" "quiz" "classwork" "homework" are these totally artificial structures we've had handed down to us
A2 Perhaps important for Ss to know psychology f learnng -there r plateaus, many quit when they reach 1, time needed 2 break thru
A3: celebrating small victories, & being true to our beliefs. Yes, ALL of you can learn TL, there are no "errors" just the process
at the same time, though, we want to communicate expectations in terms Ps & Ss can grasp...
A3 I am inspired to see what new roles things like HW take in 's class in the Year of No Grades
word. What does number have to do with anything?
got to where some 2s used "Novice High" as an insult (as in not intermediate yet"
Absolutely, this system is all any of our stakeholders know. so we have to transform how that system works https://t.co/Vc6PHnb317
at the same time, though, we want to communicate expectations in terms Ps & Ss can grasp...
A3: help turn the tide in our own schools and communities, getting other Ts and Ss to value GROWTH rather than FIXED.
A3 it's hard to combat the "grade fight" when other subjects are continuing the number game. It breaks Ss focus from standards
A3 Ask students what education practices quell their motivation.
true BUT if we entertain them AND pause and have them reflect on what they're observing...
A3: Remove "School" from the equation and have all the variables add together to equal "LEARNING"
A2: curiosity and respect for other cultures are skills we need to help ss develop
A3 it really has to be a school culture to teach Ss to value the learning & not the letter or percentage
true true, but again, if we redefine them but use terms stakeholders understand, winwin, no?
Before leaving OH, I had obtained permission to go gradeless for a quarter with one class
oo me gusta! I'm trying to get us to proficiency focus first :/
A3 Work w/ Ss to reflect on progress throughout the year rather on grade at the end Cheer them on as they develop skills!
you know why! It's the most dangerous phrase in the English language!
Yes! But we can be the catalysts for change, esp. if we have some dynamic colleagues or admins w/ us. https://t.co/f6JzHSZTZp
A3 it really has to be a school culture to teach Ss to value the learning & not the letter or percentage
Steph from SC jumping in on Q3!
YES! Keep the focus not on the number but on the NEXT STEP! https://t.co/VtrREpILBS
A3 Work w/ Ss to reflect on progress throughout the year rather on grade at the end Cheer them on as they develop skills!
. Oddly enough, sit & git can be great way to pick up a lang, as long as you're gitting the right stuff!
Q3: Authentic resources, authentic tasks. No more pretending to be someone.
I loved the mastery grading from Marzano. It spoke to me. But since our grade books didn't line up Ts abandoned
ah, but you're missing a step: sit, git, reflect? sit, git, connect? There's more to it
Q4, coming up...get ready for the TAB explosion.... we're gonna talk resources
Grading practices are such a polarizing issue! Why is it so hard for (some) professionals to entertain the idea?
YASS! Make believe is fun--NECESSARY--for the babies, but less significant for adolescentes https://t.co/Ty37fKE6nA
Q3: Authentic resources, authentic tasks. No more pretending to be someone.
I think about & struggle with this (the authentic task part) everyday https://t.co/VXN7Zs8MzB
Q3: Authentic resources, authentic tasks. No more pretending to be someone.
. Have you noticed that "It's always worked in the past" often means little more than "No one has died"
more like "it's always worked in the past (for people like me)"
Yes, one of the skills many Ss need to learn - interaction! turn that bit o knowledge into use
it takes a while, but you know this in yourself: why do they NEED Japanese NOW? What should they be doing with it?
SUPER late but here, Buffy from Katy, Tx
A4 Netflix, social media, the Internet
A4: Online music/videos via Youtube, Daily motion, etc.
A4: As all Spanish teachers, mine excitedly report back when they hear/understand Spanish used outside of class. Make a big deal!🎉
"It worked for ME!" It worked for the cream of the crop, the ones for whom ANYTHING works
A4 I think the biggest reason to listen and talk about music in class is b/c they need to have artists they LOVE before they leave
A4 MUSIC! Songs surpass the confines of a classroom any day! They can make connections with familiar lyrics for years to come
A4 connect Ss w/ community so they're alway among a kindred spirit
A4 newspapers, TV and YouTube videos or shows, short stories, Web sites, social media, lang. learning apps...
A4: So first resource, community and native speakers. Or speakers they eavesdrop on during their trip to Cancun. Whatever works!
A4: Travel, where they see firsthand. "I CAN DO this" Reward WAY better than grades or points
A4: People who speak the language are invaluable resources. There are apps, like Duolingo that can help students practice as well
Netflix, Hulu, YOUTUBE, Instagram, Pinterest especially!
A4 Volunteering and continuing to learn by interacting with native speakers in the community. Works for me!
A4: social media is HUGE! Especially when they want to chat in the TL w/someone they admire.
A4: we do "música miércoles" and I have students that say they have those songs downloaded on iTunes!
A4: Someone earlier mentioned Duolingo
but I haven't seen reason to think that not doing these prevents someone from acquiring a language 2/2
A4: seek out other learners and speakers
A2 Train students how to get comp input in viewing, listening and reading
A4: One of the Spanish & French Hon Soc activities is Instagram challenges.
A4: Each other, Skype & Fb w/ pen pals, Mango language software, heritage speakers, YouTube
Q4. If Ss have built meaningful r'ships with native speakers, these r'ships can be an invaluable lifelong resource
A4 NPR's Alt Latino is an AWESOME podcast for Spanish students. Lots of cultural content with the music. Gives music context
A4 music, movies, friends, traveling,
A4: we've had some Span student alumni return and join our chat during their first year of college!
Love when Ss make real friends with students abroad. They have a life long language connection & desire to travel is heightened
too true. I've always assumed listening came quicker than reading w/ Japanese--true? If so--TV?
A4: Doing some of the legwork for them, setting up epals/social media virtual or actual exchanges. Many don't know a TL person.
Now THAT'S evidence of life-long learning! Way to go Rebecca and
is the best professional development for World Language teachers. Share with your colleagues!
A4 a comfy chair in the corner of the library
A3 I really don't think grades are the only element holding learning back. Grades are feedback/ helpful data
Loved using https://t.co/Rw0lrpjqQT for final projects. My students were so engaged in making their "Asi soy yo" videos.
Time is ebbing away on our Lifelong Learning . Takeaways?
Have you ever benefited from ? We have! Isn't about time to recognize this project and all people behind the scenes?
TA It's so much easier to create lifelong learners now than it was when I first started teaching (27 yrs ago)!
they have their place--means to an end, but not the end, as they often have been
BTW, and germane to the discussion: another in the works forthis summer. Look for tweets and maybe a poll.
Takeaway: get the Ss interested and find something that gets their attention and they'll be hooked!
Takeaway: continue to seek out Authres to connect with Ss. Keep EVOLVING
Takeaway-be an example of a lifelong learner for your students and give them the tools to be one too!
TA: You folks inspire me the way I want to inspire Ss. Always working to get better.
TA our classes are a starting point for language learning and we must inspire lifelong practice
rite there with you in the 20+ club! Much easier now w/engaging, relevant content.
Most student want to learn to speak. Give them what they want
Provide opportunities that are not confined to classroom.
Takeaways: help Ss see what they can do with language beyond the school classroom
Yup...that's why I love it too! Missed tonight...hoping for Saturday https://t.co/NNPPtDqDXu
TA: You folks inspire me the way I want to inspire Ss. Always working to get better.
TA: Keep cultivating positive attitudes towards my beloved Content Area, profession and work on building a
Takeaway I need to think about those authentic audiences for Novices more. Time to get on that e-penpal/Skype train already
takeaway, 6 months since I last joined. All time between classes spent on thesis, about the importance of language teachers 1/2
connecting with each other in order to survive in their jobs (https://t.co/D2VUUL4RCi ). Always refreshing to connect. 2/2
TA There's really no reason a student who is interested in a lang can't practice outside of class, we need to be their guide!
I'm excited to blog about the ! Never been so optimistic about 100% •long-term• proficiency https://t.co/YO7eNWV8b2
A3 I am inspired to see what new roles things like HW take in 's class in the Year of No Grades
