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Last week, Langchatters met to discuss how the concept of high-frequency words can inform language instruction. They shared their thoughts about which high-frequency words are most important and offered advice on how to draw students’ attention to high-frequency vocab. Participants also brainstormed ways to help students build their vocabulary beyond high-frequency words and reflected on […]

Welcome back to #langchat! Last week participants met to reflect on their experiences in the classroom over the past year and to (already!) begin the process of making plans for next Fall. They shared a change that they made this year – large or small, discussed their big ‘AHA’ moments, and talked about the biggest […]

   by  Merrimack College  Last week, participants took part in the first ever #langchat snapper! In this speedy format, Langchatters weighed in on four quick questions. They discussed the best professional development programs for teachers in the U.S. and abroad, recommended iPad apps that are enhancing their communicative classrooms, suggested good video series, and offered advice […]

   by  Shane Global Language Centres  Welcome back to #langchat! Last week, participants met to chat about essential grammar in a proficiency-based classroom. They discussed what makes a language structure essential and how to decide which ones to teach, and when. Langchatters also shared challenges they have encountered when presenting essential structures, and what techniques have […]

   by  cityyear  Last week, Langchatters met to brainstorm how to create a culture of learning in the world language class when stakeholders are focused on traditional grades. They reflected on what a culture of learning looks like, shared strategies that contribute to such a classroom culture, and described steps that teachers can take to de-emphasize […]

Last week, #langchat participants took part in an energetic conversation about authentic resources – they discussed the selection process for students at different proficiency levels and what outcomes they expect, as well as ways ways to prepare students for engagement with authentic resources. To finish things off, Langchatters shared their strategies for supporting students as […]

   by  Army Medicine  Last week, #langchat participants met for a chat on standards-based grading. They began by defining this concept before discussing the kinds of assignments that should be graded in light of standards. Participants also shared suggestions about how to best communicate standards-based assessment practices to students and parents and how to develop standards-based […]

   by  TownePost Network  Welcome back to #langchat! Last week, participants focused on the place of electronic devices in the classroom. They discussed important factors to consider in establishing a device policy and shared the policy used in their school and classroom. Langchatters then suggested ways to use devices to help students engage with authentic resources […]

   by  DoDEA Communications  Welcome back to #langchat! Last Thursday, participants took part in a lively debate on the place of teacher input and student inquiry in the language classroom. They discussed teachers’ and students’ respective responsibilities in terms of content. Participants also reflected on the place of student-centered inquiry models, brainstormed how teachers can help […]

   by  Amistad Institute  Last Thursday, #langchat participants were eager to dive into a chat about grit. They started by describing what grit looks like in a learner, and they reflected on difficult tasks that can cause learners to give up. Participants brainstormed ways to make students feel successful and ways to help them at moments […]