Practical Proficiency Podcast
Episodes
#48 - My Language Journey: I Studied French, Spoke Spanish, And Confused Them On Every Exam
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textI'm doing something different today and sharing my candid origin story as a language lover. From early childhood immersion in Japan ...
#47 - 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Grammar-Heavy to Proficiency Instruction
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textThis episode breaks down why transitioning from legacy methods to proficiency feels so hard, then maps practical, low-prep moves that make ...
#46 - AI In The World Language Classroom: Rethinking the Dynamic When A Bot Can Write Spanish in Seconds
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat happens when a tool can write a passable Spanish 1 paragraph in six seconds? We took that provocation and built a practical roadmap fo...
#45 - You Don’t Need A Theater Degree to Use CI: Common Misconceptions About CI Teaching
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWe push back on the myth that comprehensible input only works for charismatic teachers, and we reframe proficiency as a guiding philosop...
#44 - Making 25 Minutes Count: Elementary Language Teaching With Cognitive Load Theory
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFeeling stuck on the same unit while your elementary learners still “haven’t mastered it”? Let’s flip the script. We take a clea...
#43 - "I struggle with how to teach vocab consistently" : Listener Q+A on Presenting New Vocab
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textI answer a listener’s question about teaching vocabulary consistently by reframing every class as a vocabulary class that moves words ...
#42 - Why a Simple “Password” Can Transform Your World Language Class
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat if a 10-second ritual at your classroom door could boost target-language use, cut awkward silence, and build community—all at onc...
#41 - Tools for Teaching Autistic Learners and Managing Absences in ASL Classes: Listener Q+A
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWe answer Sherry’s two-part question on engaging autistic learners in an ASL classroom and creating a sane, effective plan for frequen...
#40 - 8 Ways to Lower Student Anxiety in World Language Class
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAsking students to speak in a new language can feel like asking them to step on stage without a script. We dig into why anxiety hits wor...
#39 - The Role of Grammar in Your Proficiency-Oriented Classroom
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textGrammar—the eternal battleground of language education. Is it the foundation of language learning or a distraction from real communica...
#38 - 3 Strategies to Make Grammar Your Friend, Not Your Boss - Proficiency-Based Grammar Instruction
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe proper role of grammar in proficiency-oriented instruction requires a mindset shift from traditional approaches to one that aligns w...
#37 - 15 Common Target Language Mistakes & How to Fix Them
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is a special insider episode where you get to see what it's like to be a part of the Practical Proficiency Network! Join us fo...
36 - Middle School Magic: Teaching Tips & Curriculum Must-Haves for Middle School with Sonrisas Spanish
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver wondered why teaching Spanish to middle schoolers requires such a unique approach? In this episode, we dive deep with Brooks from S...
35 - From Teaching on An Island to Transforming Her Program: Diane's Teacher Story & PPN Member Experience
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver felt like the lone Spanish teacher on an island, wondering if everyone else has figured out the secret to effortless curriculum map...
34 - Authentic Assessment: Replacing Final Exams with Language Portfolios
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAre you tired of watching your language students cram for final exams only to forget everything a week later? It's time to revoluti...
33 - My FAVE Speaking Activity for World Language Classes: "And you" & How to Play
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe "And You" game transforms speaking practice in world language classrooms, helping students overcome anxiety while having f...
32 - UNIT IDEAS SERIES:Adverbs of Frequency - What If You Had a Planning Partner in Your Pocket?
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPlanning a world language unit doesn't have to be a solo mission - this episode offers a detailed walkthrough of teaching adverbs o...
31 - Language Glue: Why Your Students Can't Remember What You Taught Them
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textLanguage teachers everywhere face the same challenge: how do we create units that actually lead to acquisition instead of just memorizat...
30 - Guest Kia London on Patience in Proficiency & 90% Target Language : A Teacher's Journey
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPatience trumps perfection when transitioning to proficiency-based language instruction, as veteran Spanish teacher Kia London reveals i...
29 - UNIT IDEAS: Description - Physical and Personality Traits Units for Proficiency-Oriented Instruction
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe ability to describe people - both physically and by personality - isn't just another vocabulary list in your world language cur...
28 - Party Host, Not Grammar Ghost: Why Interpersonal Mode is the Secret Sauce & How to Do More Speaking in Class
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe moment a language student first connects with a native speaker is electric—that realization that "I can actually do this!&quo...
27 - Carnaval & Mardi Gras Unit Ideas: Why Carnaval is a Must-Teach Celebration | UNIT IDEAS Series
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStep into the vibrant world of Carnaval! In this UNIT IDEAS mini-episode, we explore how this much-beloved celebration transcends mere f...
#26 - Wildly Engaging & Easy Activities with Music: An Interview with Roxxem's cofounder Shawn Lee
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textReady to transform your language classroom with the power of music? Discover how Roxxem, an innovative platform co-founded by Shawn Lee,...
#25 - 10 Tips for Student Relationships & Classroom Management in Language Class
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStrong relationships is the first and most essential foundation to a target-language rich world language classroom. Tune in to see my to...
#24 - Innovative Literacy Strategies for Language Teachers with DigiGals: Jen Degenhardt & Theresa Marrama
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Digigals, Jennifer and Theresa, have written a combined 120 novels for world language classes. Listen with us as the Digilangua crea...
#23 - What Should I Teach In Levels 1 & 2? Units and Skills
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver wondered: am I teaching the right things? How do I know that my units are getting the job done? This episode mini-series on unit an...
#22 - What Level is My Student? Intermediate Low - ACTFL Levels Deep Dive
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIntermediate Low is the most misunderstood proficiency level. Let's dive in with a teacher-friendly description of what your interm...
#21 - Teacher Longevity and Maintaining Joy with Kia London | Meet the Speaker Series
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Kia D. London to hear more about her awesome presentation...
#20 - Beating Teacher Burnout with Clarity and Confidence | Pav of Fle avec Mme D| Meet the Speaker Series
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Pav of Fle avec Mme D to hear more about her awesome pre...
#19 - Identity Self-Exploration with Students, Representation, and Social Justice with Middle Schoolers with Allison Perryman | Meet the Speaker Series Practical & Comprehensible
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Allison Perryman of The Cultural Classroom to hear more a...
#18 - Using Research-Based Social Justice Units and Teaching Techniques with Timothy Chávez | Meet the Speaker Series Practical & Comprehensible
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPractical and Comprehensible is the premiere conference event each year for proficiency-oriented world language teachers! This year, ...
#17 - Using Art in World Language | Practical & Comprehensible Meet the Presenter: Courtney of Llearning Llama
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Courtney Bonino of Llearning Llama to hear more about he...
#16 - Novice High | What Level is My Student?
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis one is for novice high - the level you'll spend the most time with in your career! Listen to get in-depth examples for exactly...
#15 - Novice Mid: What Levels Are My Students? ACTFL Levels Deep Dive
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWe're continuing this series on the new 2024 ACTFL guidelines. This answers a common question I get - what level should my students...
#14 - What Level is My Student? Novice Low - ACTFL Levels Deep Dive
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe new ACTFL Proficiency guidelines for 2024 are HERE! Our new series comes from a common listener question - what level should my stud...
#13 - Element 10: Culture | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIt's here, the one we world language teachers have been waiting for - culture lessons! However, culture is complex. Our solution to...
#12 - Element 9: Proficiency-Oriented Assessments | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHey hey hey, it's assessment day! This could be a giant deep dive. Today, we're focusing on how to switch mindsets from our a...
#11 - Element 8: 60% Input | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's element - input! This is a proficiency teacher favorite. We always talk about how important it is, but that doesn't al...
#10 - Element 7: Inclusive and Community Oriented Spaces | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, we discuss a list of the people I enjoy learning from to further my journey into equity-driven education. These are the...
#9 - Element 6: Conduit for Conversation | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's element - the class! Everything should be a conduit for conversation in world language. So where does that leave teachers? ...
#8 - Allison Wienhold of Mis Clases Locas - Movies in World Language Class
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textLet's dive into how to use movies in your classroom! Allison of Mis Clases Locas is an expert in utilizing culture-rich movies as a...
#7 - Element 5: Output is Well-Timed and Meaningful | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's element is all about the speaking and the signing: how to make sure we're doing the right speaking activities at the r...
#6 - Element 4: 2-Way Communication | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practi...
#5 - Element 3: Target Language Delivery System | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practi...
#4 - Element 2: Real World Context | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practi...
#3 - Element 1: Curriculum, Scope, and Sequence | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textDive a little deeper into the #1 element - curriculum, scope, and sequence. This is the essential world language teacher framework for e...
#2 - The 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practi...
#1 - START HERE - What Practical Proficiency Means
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis is my story of what proficiency-oriented instruction for world language teachers means to me. How I got started with comprehensible...