Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé

30 Jan 2025

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Send us a textIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Cécile Lainé to explore how to build cultural and intercultural competence in language classrooms—especially at the novice level. Together, we discuss practical strategies to move beyond surface-level cultural facts and create meaningful, authentic opportunities for students to connect with the world around them.We dive into actionable ideas like using special person interviews, calendar talk, and holiday explorations to help students develop empathy and curiosity. Cécile also shares her insights on integrating marginalized voices into the curriculum, starting with the communities in your classroom, and facilitating deeper cultural connections through people-centered learning.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What culture and intercultural competence isWhy culture isn’t just about facts—it’s about empathy, connection, and understanding perspectives.The importance of ACTFL’s 5 C’s: communication, connection, comparison, cultures, and communities.Four beginner-friendly strategies to explore culture in your classroom, including:Special person interviews to highlight student backgrounds.Calendar talk to uncover cultural gems and celebrations.Using authentic resources and picture talks to explore people, practices, and perspectives.Facilitating discussions about holidays in meaningful and approachable ways.Why starting with self-reflection as a teacher is key to transforming your practice.Connect with me:Growing With CI FB CommunityGWP BlogGWP Teacher Pay Teachers StoreGWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting ListResources Mentioned:Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond: Amazon LinkACTFL’s 5 C’s Framework: ACTFL WebsiteConnect with Cécile Lainé:Website: towardproficiency.comInstagram: @towardproficiencyFacebook: Toward ProficiencyIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow teacher and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to connect with Cécile through the links above for more resources to support cultural exploration and connection in your classroom.Click here to download for FREE ➡️➡️➡️ https://growingwithproficiency.com/diadegracias

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

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13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

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Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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