Practical Proficiency Podcast

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Language teachers everywhere face the same challenge: how do we create units that actually lead to acquisition instead of just memorization? The answer lies in understanding how our brains naturally process and store language.
In this eye-opening episode, I break down the six-phase structure that every successful proficiency-based unit must follow. Starting with context-rich input (the "glue" that makes language stick in students' brains), we explore how declarative versus procedural knowledge explains why students can sometimes recite grammar rules perfectly but freeze during conversations.
You'll discover why rushing through the comprehension phase is a critical mistake that prevents true acquisition, and why many teachers unwittingly sabotage their students' progress by skipping essential steps in the acquisition process. I share practical, classroom-tested strategies for each phase - from input introduction through comprehension, gradual output release, authentic contexts, presentational practice, and finally to meaningful interpersonal communication.
Using comparisons as our example structure, I demonstrate how to adapt this framework for both brand-new concepts and reviewing previously introduced language. You'll learn how to determine appropriate timing for each phase based on your specific teaching context and student needs, rather than arbitrary pacing guides.
Whether you're teaching novice learners or advanced students, this structural framework provides the scaffold your proficiency-oriented units need. Stop wondering why your students struggle to use language they've "learned" and start designing units that follow the brain's natural pathways to language acquisition.
Have you tried structuring your units this way? Share your experiences in the comments or on social media using #PracticalProficiency. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review to help other teachers discover these strategies!

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The moment a language student first connects with a native speaker is electric—that realization that "I can actually do this!" This transformative experience is precisely why students enroll in language classes, yet ironically, interpersonal communication often receives the least classroom time.
Devon Gunning dives deep into this paradox, examining why speaking activities frequently take a backseat to reading and writing in world language classrooms. Beyond the obvious classroom management challenges, she reveals how educational priorities have shifted toward literacy-focused initiatives at the expense of authentic communication practice.
Drawing from years of classroom experience teaching Spanish and French, Devon shares practical strategies for integrating more interpersonal activities without creating management nightmares. From structured speaking quizzes and info gap activities to classroom passwords and human scavenger hunts, these approaches work even for novice-level learners. Her innovative "Soul Train" and "Speed Dating" techniques provide frameworks that make speaking practice engaging rather than intimidating.
The key mindset shift? Viewing yourself as a "party host" rather than a traditional teacher—someone who facilitates connections between students through compelling questions and scaffolded support. Devon walks through a gradual confidence-building approach, starting with small groups before moving to pairs and eventually individual responses.
This episode challenges the conventional wisdom of language education, arguing that the most valuable skills are often the hardest to assess—and that we must prioritize them anyway. "You cannot drill communicative ability," Devon reminds us, quoting Bill VanPatten. "It develops when we find ourselves in communicative contexts."
Ready to revolutionize your language classroom? Devon's practical challenge to carve out just 10% more time for interpersonal communication could transform your students' language acquisition journey. Listen now to discover how making speaking the "secret sauce" of your instruction can ignite student engagement and proficiency.

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This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.
Today's element deep dive is on the one we use the most in class: a target language delivery system. Learn one of the key elements of making proficiency WORK FOR YOU instead of you working so hard for proficiency.
Download the 10 Elements PDF GUIDE here

Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)
Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!
Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!

Let's connect:
Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit
Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
Website
TPT
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Youtube
Facebook

Send us a text

This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.
Today's element deep dive is on real-world context. We teach one of the most useful skills in the world. Let's keep it that way!
Download the 10 Elements PDF GUIDE here

Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)

Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!
Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!

Let's connect:
Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit
Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
Website
TPT
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook

Send us a text

Today's element is all about the speaking and the signing: how to make sure we're doing the right speaking activities at the right time.
Download the 10 Elements PDF GUIDE here

Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)

Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!
Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!

Let's connect:
Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit
Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
Website
TPT
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook