The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
Episodes
DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It's a heavy subject, but it's also incredibly relevant, both right no...
DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over...
DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher's perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? ...
DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Bren...
2025 Winter Interlude
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No December episodes, but we do have a message from a very special guest as we wrap up 2025! We'll be back with new episodes starting on January 5th...
DIESOL 130 - A Very DIESOL Thanksgiving
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Research shows that finding things to be grateful for actually releases dopamine and serotonin (the happy chemicals!) in the brain, which means more c...
DIESOL 129 - When Knowing Too Much Holds You Back
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We tend to think expertise is always an advantage, but what if knowing too much can actually hold you back? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore t...
DIESOL 128 - 13 Scary Halloween Ideas You Can Use Right Away
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Halloween classroom activities don't have to be boring. We've got 13 ideas that are actually going to make your students want to learn - from storytel...
DIESOL 127 - Open Educational Resources in English Language Teaching
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 127 we're exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), an affordable, customizable alternative to pricey textbooks. We'll dive into what OER...
DIESOL 126 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast (Part 2)
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and ho...
DIESOL 125 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and h...
DIESOL 124 - How to Build Classroom Community
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a world full of apps and digital tools, sometimes the most powerful classroom connections happen with nothing more than paper, name tags, and a lit...
DIESOL 123 - Low-Stress Summer PD
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re not ready to dive into anything heavy but still want to stay a little connected to your teaching brain, this one’s for you. In today’s...
DIESOL 122 - ISTELive25 Recap
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ixchell and Brent dive into #ISTELive 25 in San Antonio. From eye-opening sessions that revealed cutting-edge tools to the pervasive ...
DIESOL 121 - Why Tech Matters in Language Learning
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Ixchell Reyes and Brent Warner discuss the integration of technology in English as a Second or Other Language teaching, coinciding wit...
DIESOL 120 - Selecting Textbooks
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of textbooks that leave you scrambling to create supplemental activities? Join Brent and Ixchell as they break down what actually makes a langua...
DIESOL 119 - Conference Crunch Time: Ready Set Submit!
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to present at conferences, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of getting your name on the confe...
DIESOL 118 - 10 Questions Teachers are Asking About AI
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Brent and Ixchell as they dive into the top AI questions educators are asking right now. Straight from the TESOL conference, they break down the ...
DIESOL 117 - TESOL 2025: A Preview
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you heading to TESOL 2025 in Long Beach? Brent and Ixchell share all the details about their presentations, including panels on AI in materials de...
DIESOL 116 - Edushare.ing & Other Simple Single-Use Tools You Can Use Today
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of bloated all-in-one platforms that do too much? Discover simple, single-use tools that do one thing well and make your life easier! In this ep...
DIESOL 115 - How We're Coping
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? You’re not alone. In this candid episode, Brent and Ixchell open up about the struggles of...
DIESOL 114 - Bluesky Smilin' at Me
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the buzz about BlueSky? Should you join the migration from Twitter? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell explore BlueSky, the emerging social m...
DIESOL 113 - CATESOL 2024 Recap
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conferences are a good place to get a pulse check on what people are thinking about in the field, and with CATESOL 2024 right up the road, Brent chase...
DIESOL 112 - Project Based Learning with Jesus Huerta
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've got tech in your classroom that you haven't implemented with your students, Jesus Huerta talks us through some of the reasons and ways you s...
DIESOL 111 - 13 Scary Approaches to AI
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
AI is still here and is coming to get us all! This Halloween season Brent and Ixchell bring you a list of thirteen scary approaches to AI. The discuss...
DIESOL 110 - Are Deadlines Hurting Students?
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are deadlines hurting students? Should we adopt more flexible submission policies? In this episode Ixchell & Brent discuss the pros and cons of deadli...
DIESOL 109 - The Effective Use of AI on Feedback and Grading with Jen Roberts
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jen Roberts, an experienced high school English teacher, shares her innovative approach to using AI for student feedback and grading. Discover how AI ...
DIESOL 108 - I Need New Ice Breakers!
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ice Breakers are a great way for students to get more comfortable with each other, but students may be burnt out on the same old activities or you may...
DIESOL 107 - Drill and Kill or Drill and Skill?
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Drill activities have gotten a bad rap over the last several years, but is there a place for them in the language learning classroom? Instead of throw...
REVISITING Will AI Kill TESOL?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last of our summer vacation episodes before we return in August! Reminder that you can get on the mailing list to be informed about update...
REVISITING 7 ways to fit PD into your busy schedule
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're on vacation taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects. Reminder that you can get on t...
REVISITING 24 Tools for 2024
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects. But first, listen in for a BRAND NEW ANNOU...
DIESOL 106 - What's the Best Way to Teach Grammar?
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the best way to teach grammar? Explicitly laying out the rules for students, or giving them opportunities to discover it as they go? The rese...
DIESOL 105 - How to use AI to Bring More Music into Your Class
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you love the idea of music in your teaching but struggle to find songs that fit your teaching needs? In this episode Brent and Ixchell share all ab...
DIESOL 104 - How to Prep for Your Teacher Observation
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we explore classroom observations and how to prepare for one. Join us as we discuss strategies to shift your mindset, engage stu...
DIESOL 103 - How to build a content based curriculum with Dr. Brent Jones
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brent A. Jones is currently the Director of Language Programs at Konan University, Hirao School of Management, joins us to share about how he and his ...
DIESOL 102 - Beyond Time-Saving; Using AI Images for Language Development
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how AI-generated images could transform language learning beyond just saving time? Join us on this episode of DIESOL, where we explore t...
DIESOL 101 - My colleagues want to improve their teaching, but don’t like “PD”. What do we do?
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how you can inspire your teaching team to embrace PD, despite their busy schedules or PD resistance? Tune in to this episode to uncover pr...
DIESOL 100 - Top Tips from Teachers Around the World!
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a special milestone episode of the DIESOL podcast – Episode 100! In this celebratory edition, we turn the spotlight onto our listeners, ...
DIESOL 099 - How Can I Use AI to Help Me Prep for Classes?
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find that you don't have enough time to customize your lessons and materials in the way that you want for your students? In this episode of The...
DIESOL 098 - 7 Ways to Fit PD into Your Busy Schedule
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a busy educator looking for practical ways to integrate professional development into your hectic schedule? Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes sha...
DIESOL 097 - What Can Students Do To Learn English in a Non-English Speaking Country? Interview with Student and Teacher Mahmoud
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the inspiring journey of Mahmoud, an English instructor and former artillery field member, in DIESOL podcast episode 97. Discover how Mahmou...
DIESOL 096 - 24 Tools for 2024
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy new year! In this episode Brent and Ixchell dive into 24 tools to explore: lesson planning, time-savers, AI-infused search engines, angent build...
DIESOL 095 - Greg Foreman, EdTech Trainer
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
EdTech Trainer Greg Foreman joins us to talk about helping teachers get on board with technology use in the classroom, how to avoid overwhelming the t...
DIESOL 094 - AI and Agents and Bots, Oh My!
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are “Agents” and “GPTs” and most importantly, what does it matter in the ELT setting? We break it down and talk about some of the implica...
DIESOL 093 - Clare Kaneko, President of the Japan Association of Language Teaching and the JALT 2023 Conference
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we interviewed Clare Kaneko, current president of JALT (Japan Association of Language Teaching). We spent time chatting about the mission o...
DIESOL 092 - Why We Left Twitter and Where Do We Go From Here?
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All good things come to an end. Do not worry! We are still here, just no longer on Twitter. This year we are saying our official goodbye to Twitter. B...
DIESOL 091 - 13 Scary Habits Students Need to Stop
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know students can have some scary habits that block their language learning. To step into the Halloween Season, listen in as we share some idea...
DIESOL 090 - Playing Game Shows with Ryan O'Donnell
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan O'Donnell has been building out slide decks to play classroom versions of famous game shows for years. Join us as he shares some favorites and we...
DIESOL 089 - Mobile Cameras in the Language Classroom
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every student has some amazing technology in the palm of their hands, but how often do we ask them to use their cameras in class? In this episode, Ixc...
DIESOL 088 - Will AI Kill TESOL?
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of concern around AI and what will happen to teaching jobs, especially in the field of TESOL. Are they legitimate? Will AI Kill TESOL? C...
DIESOL 087 - 12 AI Tools to Explore Over Summer
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy beginning of summer! ChatGPT isn't even a year old and we have seen the number of tools relying on AI grow exponentially since its inception. Is...
DIESOL 086 - Katie McNamara
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join in on this open conversation with Katie McNamara about Media Literacy, changes in teacher preparedness for working with ELLs, developing a sense ...
DIESOL 085 - Skipping the Summer Slide
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
School’s out for the summer! Many students will return to their home country and take a break from the books. Inevitably, there will be less languag...
DIESOL 084 - What the F should we do about teaching swear words?
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why are language learners so drawn to learning the curse words so often as they begin playing with their target language? Should we be teaching cursin...
DIESOL 083 - ChatGPT in the ESL/EFL Classroom
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we speak with Taiwanese ESOL instructor Maj. Jojo. who has begun incorporating ChatGPT into his language classes for EFL learners in Taiwan...
DIESOL 082 - Are Idioms Appropriate?
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How necessary or useful are idioms for language learners? Can idioms be more of a roadblock at different language proficiency levels? Join Brent and I...
DIESOL 081 - AI in ESL
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation around Artificial Intelligence is only starting to grow. There's a lot to continue to explore. In previous episodes we made predictio...
DIESOL 080 - English War Games with Sallie Finklea
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, special guest, Sallie Finklea joins us to discuss English War Games, a unique approach to gamification in the ESOL classroom. We chat...
DIESOL 079 - Names & Nicknames of English Language Learners
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ixchell & Brent break down students names and nicknames and cover the blurry lines between encouraging them to use their given names, helping them und...
DIESOL 078 - Practical Games & Motivation with Jose Goulette
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 78, we sit down with Jose Goulette to talk about simple and practical ways to engage students and motivate learning. Jose has easy ways to ...
DIESOL 077 - 23 Tools for 2023
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Year of the Rabbit! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share 23 tools to explore or have on your radar. AI and implications of ChatGPT are takin...
DIESOL 076 - The End of the World (As We Know It): ChatGPT with Eric H Roth
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A couple of weeks ago, ChatGPT exploded onto the scene, and teachers across the globe are scrambling to understand how this automated writing technolo...
DIESOL 075 - Flippity in ESOL
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Flippity.net has provided a handy way to turn basic information into interactive games and resources for years. Brent & Ixchell look at a number of wa...
DIESOL 074 - Holly Sawyer: Coding with ELLs
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The connection between coding and teaching English Language Learners may seem like a far stretch, but Holly Sawyer has made the link and has helped st...
DIESOL 073 - Accessibility in TESOL
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do we mean when we speak of accessibility in the language classroom? Are there guidelines available for assessing what we currently provide for o...
DIESOL 072 - 13 Scary Practices Teachers Need to Stop Doing
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us are guilty of implementing some "not best" practices. For this spooky special episode, Brent & Ixchell discuss 13 of the worst offenders in ...
DIESOL 071 - How Monolingual Teachers Can Help ELLs
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We know that speaking another language helps English language teachers to understand and support language learners use of their L1 as a tool to naviga...
DIESOL 070 - Differentiating Instruction with Choice Boards
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are choice boards? How can we differentiate instruction for multiple skill levels and in different modalities? Do choice boards support creativit...
DIESOL 069 - Fun with Forms
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can you build rapport and connect with students when you have to launch a new class & cover required content? Listen in as we talk about using for...
DIESOL 068 - Antisocial Language Teaching with Dr. JPB Gerald
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we welcome back Dr. JPB Gerald as we discuss his upcoming book release, "Antisocial Language Teaching: English and the Pervasive Patho...
DIESOL 067 - Should We Stop Allowing Cell Phones in the Classroom?
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do restrictive cell phone policies work? What effect do students' perceptions of instructors with strict policies have on student teacher ratings? How...
DIESOL 066 - ESOL Beginners with Winnie Dinh
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Winnie Dinh is a professor of ESL at Irvine Valley College, specializing in working with students beginning their journey in learning English. Winnie ...
DIESOL 065 - Universal Design for Learning in ESOL
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You may have heard teachers talking about UDL, but what does Universal Design for Learning mean, and how can we implement it? Brent & Ixchell give a b...
DIESOL 064 - Librarians and Language Learners with Jen Giffen
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jen is a Teacher Librarian, Co-host of #ShukesandGiff the Podcast, Google Innovator (#WDC17), Sketchnoter, teacher match-maker, and much more. She joi...
DIESOL 063 - Classroom Design for Language Learning
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does classroom design affect student behavior and their learning environment? A search for classroom design might yield expensive or time-consumin...
DIESOL 062 - Google Updates & the Impact on ESOL AND Opening the Conversation about Clozing
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the implications of Google’s latest updates and announcements on the ESOL community? Join in as Ixchell & Brent explore the possibilities a...
DIESOL 061 - Developing Innovation in ESOL
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are back from our break and we've got news! After sixty episodes, we start our third year on the air by making a few adjustments to the content of ...
Ukraine
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the current situation in Ukraine. We are offering a list of reputable places to contribute donations.
DIESOL 060 - Using TV Shows in the ESOL Classroom
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of people like to use TV shows, but a lot of teachers get stuck in “their” generation. Many of our students weren't even born when shows like...
DIESOL 059 - Artificial Intelligence in ESOL
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Where does artificial intelligence fit within the realm of ESOL? Is the fear that AI could replace language teaching jobs unfounded? Where does AI nee...
DIESOL 058 - Dr. Sarah Thomas
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brent & Ixchell sit with Dr. Sarah Thomas, a Regional Technology Coordinator in Maryland, and the founder of EduMatch. We're talking Digital Equity, N...
DIESOL 057 - 22 Tools for 2022
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The New Year's tradition continues, and Brent & Ixchell explore 22 tools, apps, services, plugins, etc to consider testing out in the new year. There'...
DIESOL 056 - Gamification Strategies with Michelle Quiter
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into gamification strategies with Michelle Quiter, EFL / ESL Instructor and Google Certified teacher. Join us as we chat with Michelle on game...
DIESOL 055 - Exit Tickets
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore using Exit Tickets. Why use them? What do effective Exit Ticket strategies look like? We discuss Marzano's approach to Exit...
DIESOL 054 - Student Interview: Talal
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can students stay motivated outside of the language classroom? What can students do to support their own learning? In this episode we are joined b...
DIESOL 053 - Warmups for the Language Classroom
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Warmup activities are a great way to activate background knowledge, preview upcoming content, get students in the headspace for class, and allow learn...
DIESOL 052- Talking Littles and DIY PD with Dr. Katie Toppel
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Katie Toppel (@Katietoppel) is a language specialist serving multilingual learners in Oregon. She is the co-founder and leader of #MLLChat_BkClub ...
DIESOL 051 - Language Learning on the Go
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are myriad mobile apps for language learning, but how do we know which ones are effective? In this episode we revisit the use of mobile assisted...
DIESOL 050 - Reflections
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're celebrating 50 episodes of DIESOL by reflecting on the last couple of years. Brent & Ixchell contemplate how they've grown as podcasters, as tra...
DIESOL 049 - Using Tech to Support a Positive Classroom Environment
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Face to face instruction, online instruction, and “hybrid” models all now face new challenges. Ixchell & Brent explore what new classes might look...
DIESOL 048 - Interview with Larry Ferlazzo
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we get to ask Larry Ferlazzo himself his thoughts on getting ready for a new school year amidst the aftermath of a pandemic year. Larr...
DIESOL 047 - Summer of SAMR: Redefinition
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our final episode of SUMMER OF SAMR we look at the fourth level of the SAMR model: Redefinition. Redefinition can seem like a heavy lift, so we're ...
DIESOL 046 - From Tech Noob to Ambassador w/ Sarah Fisher
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Fisher is an ESL Instructor, Online writing Instructor, former French Instructor, a Wakelet Ambassador, an Adobe Creative Educator, and is a cer...
DIESOL 045 - Summer of SAMR: Modification
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our second episode of SUMMER OF SAMR we revisit the third level of the SAMR model: Modification. Modification takes us into the transformational ph...
DIESOL 044 - Martin Cisneros
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Martin Ricardo Cisneros (@TheTechProfe) is a Modern Learning Advisor, speaker, and Director of IT. Listen in to a high-energy conversation as he share...
DIESOL 043 - Summer of SAMR: Substitution & Augmentation
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The 2020 Pandemic forced many English Language Teachers to use digital tools to facilitate the delivery of content. However, what kind of framework ex...
DIESOL 042 - Using Data in Teaching & Language Learning with Mark Makino
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can we separate our feelings about what's working in our classes from the reality? Many ESL teachers have a passing knowledge of using data, but m...
DIESOL 041 - Interactive Videos & Captions in Language Learning
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we dive into the use of interactive video and the role of captions in language learning. What value is there in including videos in ou...
DIESOL 040 - Self-Driven Student Learning with Luna
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers can talk all day long about what's working and what's not working, but it's important that we hear directly from students to hear what's enga...