#43 - "I struggle with how to teach vocab consistently" : Listener Q+A on Presenting New Vocab

#43 - "I struggle with how to teach vocab consistently" : Listener Q+A on Presenting New Vocab

Author: Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning November 11, 2025 Duration: 38:27
Send us Fan Mail I answer a listener’s question about teaching vocabulary consistently by reframing every class as a vocabulary class that moves words through a three-stage continuum: introduce, recognize, produce. I share the science of binding, why stories beat lists, and how to keep scope tight so students actually acquire language. • binding as the foundation for sticky vocabulary • stories and visuals as the most effective input • the three-stage continuum: introduce, recognize, produce...

For educators who feel the shift toward proficiency and comprehensible input can be daunting, Practical Proficiency Podcast serves as a grounded, supportive companion. Host Devon Gunning from La Libre Language Learning understands the daily realities of the classroom, moving beyond theory to focus on what actually works. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague, unpacking practical, teacher-friendly strategies that prioritize student communication and make language teaching more sustainable and joyful. You’ll find honest discussions about implementing input-rich environments, assessing true proficiency, and designing lessons that resonate with learners. This isn't about adding more to your plate, but about refining your approach with actionable ideas you can use immediately. Tune into this podcast for a sense of community and clarity, where the journey toward proficiency-oriented instruction is broken down into manageable, real-world steps. It’s a resource built specifically for world language teachers seeking both inspiration and tangible methods to transform their teaching practice.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 48

Practical Proficiency Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#40 - 8 Ways to Lower Student Anxiety in World Language Class [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
Send us Fan Mail Asking 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 world language classrooms harder than most, then share nine practical…
#39 - The Role of Grammar in Your Proficiency-Oriented Classroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
Send us Fan Mail Grammar—the eternal battleground of language education. Is it the foundation of language learning or a distraction from real communication? In this eye-opening exploration, we cut through decades of misi…