#145
In this episode I’m taking on the question of leveling up. We often talk about proficiency levels and the output that goes along with each level. We’ll take a look at some concrete examples of language produced at each level and I’ll share some suggestions for how we can support students in leveling up their language.

Topics In This Episode:

• The ACTFL Proficiency Levels (Interpersonal)
• Novice Low/Mid/High: single words, chunks, chunked phrases.
• Intermediate Low/Mid/High: discrete sentences, strings of sentences, moving toward paragraphs
• Advanced Low/Mid/High: paragraphs, multiple paragraphs
• Concrete examples of the language that students produce at each level and sub level with suggestions for what they can do to move up a level or sub level.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Blog Post with PDF download of what language output looks like at each level with suggestions for leveling up
• Episode #12 on Proficiency Levels

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district? Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode on the podcast.

#144
What do you do with the information that you learn from the assessments that you give students? Even if we are talking about end–of-unit summative assessments we should look at the overall results and see if there are any changes we should make to instruction. This is our own consistent way of doing action research in our classrooms. In this episode, Wyatt Crane, a Spanish teacher in New York City, joins me to talk us through how he uses data from assessments (both formative and summative) to determine what is effective and what he may need to modify in his classroom teaching.

Topics In This Episode:

• how Wyatt collects and analyzes student performance data in his language classroom
• the tools and methods Wyatt finds most effective for this process
• how student performance data influences Wyatt's instructional decisions and lesson planning
• examples of when data prompted Wyatt to adjust his teaching
• how to ensure that student performance data is used not just for assessment purposes, but also for fostering student growth and learning
• how to tailor approaches to data analysis and interpretation to meet the individual needs of students

Connect with Wyatt Crane:

• Twitter/X : @ElSenorCrane

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district? Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode on the podcast.

#143
If you’re not a native speaker, how do you maintain your proficiency and confidence in speaking the language that you teach? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Stephanie, a middle school teacher in Maine. Maintaining and improving her personal confidence and proficiency is the area where she wants to level up.

Suggestions:

Set Realistic Expectations:

• Understand that language proficiency is a journey, and it's normal to have moments of self-doubt or insecurity, especially in the presence of other language teachers who may have varying levels of proficiency.
• Instead of striving for perfection, focus on continuous improvement and growth. Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Embrace Vulnerability and Learning Opportunities:

• Remember that vulnerability is a natural part of the language learning process.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions during language teacher conferences. Embrace these moments as valuable learning opportunities.

Action Plan:

This Week:

• Spend time reflecting on past experiences and identifying specific instances where hesitancy to speak the language around other language teachers occurred.
• Set achievable goals for the week, such as committing to speak the language in at least one conversation with a language teacher during a conference or professional gathering.

The Coming Weeks:

• Gradually increase the frequency and duration of language use in professional settings, such as engaging in more conversations or discussions with language teachers.
• Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone by initiating conversations or participating actively in language-related activities during conferences or workshops.

Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode on the podcast.

Let's connect!

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district? Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.