Episode 80: What We May Have Not Learned in our Method Class About Second Language Acquisition with Elicia Cárdenas

Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Did you take a Second Language Teaching Methods class? I did. However, in that class, I didn't learn about comprehensible input or the nature of language, which are the essential foundations in Second Language Acquisition. That's why this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Elicia Cárdenas, the Director of Training at the Comprehensible Classroom, to talk about the essential principles of language acquisition that we should all know. Elicia talks about the fundamental nature of language, the complexities of teaching grammar in second language acquisition, and the significance of providing students with comprehensible input. She shares her journey of implementing acquisition-driven instruction in her class, leading to remarkable transformations in her students' language proficiency and engagement.
Highlights>

• Understanding the essential foundations of second language acquisition.
• The importance of comprehensible input in language learning.
• Navigating the complexities of teaching grammar in second language acquisition.
• Empowering teachers to implement acquisition-driven instruction.

Join us in this conversation as we navigate through the intricacies of language acquisition, explore the importance of empowering teachers, and uncover the need for proactive communication in education. Ready? Click play and happy listening!
Resources:

Teacher Guide: How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach >>> https://growingwithproficiency.com/teacherguide

Growing With Proficiency The Blog

Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist

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Elicia Cárdenas' Bio

Elicia Cárdenas is a former middle school Spanish teacher with extensive experience teaching a variety of levels, ages, and subjects. Her experience includes working with preservice teachers at Westminster College, and as a teaching assistant for MIT Teaching Systems Lab. Although she was trained as an elementary teacher, she shifted her focus to understanding of second language acquisition and its application to classroom instruction in a world language classroom. She presents regularly at national, regional, and state conferences and for school districts all over the USA. Her areas of expertise include assessment with an equity lens and working to make sure all students are successful at acquiring another language. She is the Director of Training for The Comprehensible Classroom and is the founder of the blog Deskless Classroom.
More resources by our guest:

The Deskless Classroom Blog: https://www.desklessclassroom.com/

The Comprehensible Classroom: https://comprehensibleclassroom.com