Blog

“Little and Large” (CC BY 2.0) by Matthew G Most recently, the #langchat community decided to chat about how world language teacher’s style has had to be adapted over time to changes in curriculum, technology, and students’ needs. Participants talked about the factors that have led to the biggest changes in their personal teaching style, and how […]

“Studying Visual Literacy” (CC BY 2.0) by Angela Thomas Last week, #langchat tackled the topic of literacy and how that presents itself in L2 teaching. Participants discussed the types of texts that they have students interact with (and why), as well as how the type of text that is used can changes the way that students will […]

“My System” (CC BY 2.0) by Justin See Last week, #langchat contributors decided to talk about how to best go about maintaining student interest in the midst of necessary routines that facilitate teaching in a world language classroom. Participants discussed what routines facilitate but maybe bore the kids/hijack the learning, as well as ways to establish trust […]

“CogDogBlog Wordle” (CC BY 2.0) by Alan Levine Lochman Langchatters resoundingly chose the topic of “effective web tools” for last week’s chat and with the amount of them that exist these days (both effective and non-effective), it’s a good thing that we tackled the subject together! Participants talked about the web tools that students use that are […]

In the world language education field, elementary teachers would certainly win in a competition for most variety in situations.  This one has 30 minutes per week and a total of 620 students, that one has 90 minutes per week with 270 students, this one has 7 home languages represented in a single classroom, that one […]

“Consul General Lochman at Mangilaluk in Tuktoyaktuk” (CC BY 2.0) by US Embassy Canada Last week langchatters dove in to tackle the topic of what strategies can help promote meaningful, purposeful interpersonal communication in the world language classroom. Participants discussed their definitions of “meaningful” and “purposeful” in this context, as well as what skills and strategies need […]

“High pile of hardcover books” (CC BY 2.0) by  Alberto G. Last week, #langchat got back into full-swing for the school year with a great conversation about ways to structure and implement an effective world language curriculum without a textbook. Chatters discussed how to select themes, as well as ways to determine which ones are the most […]

“Reflection” (CC BY 2.0) by  kevin dooley  Last week, langchat-ters joined in a lively conversation full of reflections on the last year of teaching students in the world language classroom. Participants talked through the changes they made, their “AHA!” moments, the biggest risk they took and how it paid off, and what they’re looking forward to trying and/or […]

“fit students” (CC BY 2.0) by  Susan NYC  Last week, langchatters joined in a great conversation about how to help students adjust to, and make the shift from, familiar instructional practices such as worksheets, quizzes, etc. Participants discussed what characteristics of familiar practices they feel need to be changed, what’s been pushing students out of their comfort zones, […]

“South African Roads” (CC BY 2.0) by  cornstaruk  Last week, langchatters joined in an enlightening conversation about how world language teachers can best go about equipping their student to be lifelong language learners. Participants discussed ways to help students connect their second language learning with their larger life goals, as well as how to ensure students leave a […]