S11/E1: Learn to discuss, discuss to learn with Dr. Mariana Castro

S11/E1: Learn to discuss, discuss to learn with Dr. Mariana Castro

Author: Ellevation Education August 15, 2023 Duration: 50:51

What is the difference between all student talk and discussions? How can teachers plan for meaningful discussion opportunities for all students, particularly MLLs? What research-proven strategies are there for  creating, maintaining and repairing community and relationships in the classroom?

We discuss these questions and more with Dr. Mariana Castro. 

Dr. Mariana Castro is the Director of the Multilingual Learning Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a lead curriculum designer and instructor for the Discussion Project. You can read Mariana’s full bio on our show notes and in the blog post featured on the EL Community.

This season, we’ll cover a variety of important topics, including fostering motivation among students, empowering teachers and students with agency, nurturing strong relationships with students and their families, and much more. But these conversations are just the entry point into a wide variety of free, high-quality multimedia content. As always, our team will transform each episode into digestible blog posts, useful graphics, and compelling posts on social media and post them on our EL Community page. 

Speaking of social media and community, I am excited to announce the launch of our new Ellevation Educator Facebook Group. The group’s primary goal is to foster meaningful connections among educators who support English learners in their schools. In this inclusive space, we encourage members to engage in thoughtful discussions, exchange valuable insights, and share best practices that empower multilingual students on their language journey. This group warmly welcomes all levels of expertise - whether you're an experienced educator, seasoned advocate of English learners or just starting to explore the world of multilingual education. To join, just search for Ellevation Educator Community under the Groups tab on Facebook. Then go ahead and post on the group to let us know what you learned from this episode. 

Subscribe to the show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0W4CYdurgYRIwFGif3H6Qk

Visit our EL Community page for episode resources, related content and more. Download the episode transcript here.


At the heart of Highest Aspirations are the voices and stories of English Language Learners, a dynamic and fast-growing part of the student population. Created by Ellevation Education, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real-world experiences shaping classrooms today. Each episode connects you directly with educators who are in the trenches, students navigating dual languages, and researchers translating data into practical strategies. You’ll also hear from families and community advocates, whose perspectives are crucial yet often overlooked. These conversations collectively tackle a central question: how do we build systems that genuinely allow every student to thrive? Rather than offering simple answers, the series delves into the complexities of policy, instructional practice, and cultural belonging. It’s a space where the vibrant ELL community gathers to discuss both challenges and breakthroughs. Tuning in provides a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing actionable insights and shared humanity. The Highest Aspirations podcast ultimately serves as a thoughtful forum for anyone invested in creating more equitable and effective learning environments for all.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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