#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
#1 - START HERE - What Practical Proficiency Means [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:33
Send us Fan Mail This is my story of what proficiency-oriented instruction for world language teachers means to me. How I got started with comprehensible input, how much I loved it, messed up, and then learned there was…