Practical Proficiency Podcast
Where world language teachers gather to transition to proficiency oriented instruction through comprehensible input. All through practical, real-life, teacher-friendly ideas that make teaching language more joyful! Hosted by Devon of La Libre Language Learning.
Podcasting since 2024 • 47 episodes
Practical Proficiency Podcast
Latest Episodes
#47 - 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Grammar-Heavy to Proficiency Instruction
This episode breaks down why transitioning from legacy methods to proficiency feels so hard, then maps practical, low-prep moves that make it sustainable and joyful. I name the common traps—misaligned assessments, training gaps, immersion shock...
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Season 3
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Episode 47
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41:41
#46 - AI In The World Language Classroom: Rethinking the Dynamic When A Bot Can Write Spanish in Seconds
What happens when a tool can write a passable Spanish 1 paragraph in six seconds? We took that provocation and built a practical roadmap for world language teachers who want less busywork and more human connection. From accent cleanup to compre...
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Season 3
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Episode 46
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35:14
#45 - You Don’t Need A Theater Degree to Use CI: Common Misconceptions About CI Teaching
We push back on the myth that comprehensible input only works for charismatic teachers, and we reframe proficiency as a guiding philosophy rather than a single method. Practical, low-lift strategies take center stage to show how any teacher can...
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Season 3
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Episode 45
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20:55
#44 - Making 25 Minutes Count: Elementary Language Teaching With Cognitive Load Theory
Feeling stuck on the same unit while your elementary learners still “haven’t mastered it”? Let’s flip the script. We take a clear-eyed look at short, 25–30 minute language classes and show how cognitive load theory can make those minutes add up...
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Season 3
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Episode 44
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38:20
#43 - "I struggle with how to teach vocab consistently" : Listener Q+A on Presenting New Vocab
I answer a listener’s question about teaching vocabulary consistently by reframing every class as a vocabulary class that moves words through a three-stage continuum: introduce, recognize, produce. I share the science of binding, why stories be...
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Season 3
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Episode 43
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38:27
Fan Mail
Hi Devon! I’m a French teacher and have been listening to your podcast eve day for the past week THANK YOU! I have a question — I struggle with how to teach vocabulary consistently. I rotate between slides and images, stories, etc. but would like to be more consistent. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you again — I have learned so much!
Winchester, Virginia