The Language Imperative Podcast: Recent Episodes
Vista Higher Learning
Tune into Vista’s new podcast series, The Language Imperative, for insightful conversations with award-winning language educators—from the intimacy of hands-on workshops to the development of powerful systems at the state and local levels—all with an eye towards national transformation and empowerment. Listen now! To learn more or subscribe to our newsletter visit: https://vhlblog.vistahigherlearning.com/subscribe
Summary
Dr. Jenni Trujillo, Dean of Education at Fort Lewis College, teacher, writer, and author, discusses her passion for bilingual education and the potential of AI to support multilingual learners by enhancing educational materials and providing personalized learning experiences. She emphasizes the importance of using AI cautiously, balancing its benefits with its limitations. Dr. Trujillo highlights the need for AI to be tailored to meet diverse student needs, advocating for its use to complement rather than replace traditional teaching methods. She discusses various AI tools which can aid in language practice and the generation of visuals to support language instruction. Dr. Trujillo stresses the importance of addressing equity concerns and teaching students to critically evaluate AI-generated content, ensuring that AI is used thoughtfully and equitably in education.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:43
Exploring AI in Language Education
04:18
Differentiation and Scaffolding with AI
07:04
The Generational Divide in AI Adoption and Implementation
09:14
AI Tools for Language Acquisition
13:06
The Role of Visuals in Language Education
19:57
Promoting Equity with AI in Education
27:03
The Future of AI for Multilingual Learners and Language Educators
33:25
Human Connection Through AI
Episode Resources
Vista’s The Language Imperative Podcast
Summary
Jennifer Dobberfuhl Quinlan, Associate Director of Assessment Product Management at Language Testing International (LTI) discusses the growing importance of multilingualism in the workforce and how world language educators can advocate for their programs amidst budget cuts by highlighting the economic and cultural benefits of language skills. She emphasizes the role of language assessment in validating students' progress and proficiency, noting that fluctuations in test scores can be part of normal developmental processes. Quinlan also addresses the need for equitable access to language testing and the importance of considering diverse language needs in educational assessments. The conversation also focuses on how official language certifications, like those from ACTFL, are becoming increasingly valuable in connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction
01:27
Importance of Multilingual Workers
03:56
Advocating for World Language Programs
07:48
The Benefits of Language Learning for Students
11:10
The Role of Language Testing
15:25
Understanding U-Shaped Learning Patterns
22:30
Impact of the Revised ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines
27:17
Equitable Access in Language Testing
34:42
The Future of Language Education and Assessments
36:50
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Episode Resources
Vista’s The Language Imperative Podcast
Summary
Noemi Rodriguez discusses the use of generative AI in language classrooms and addresses concerns about its impact on teaching and learning. She emphasizes the importance of the teacher-student relationship and the unique role of teachers in connecting with students. Rodriguez also discusses the potential impact of generative AI on students' critical thinking skills and suggests that teachers should reconsider their assessments to ensure they align with their goals for student growth. She highlights the need for ethical considerations when using generative AI and emphasizes the importance of training the AI models responsibly to avoid perpetuating biases. Rodriguez provides practical advice for teachers on integrating generative AI into their classrooms and encourages them to experiment and collaborate with colleagues. She also discusses her consulting business, Lo Logramos, and her AI innovator community, which aims to support teachers in their AI literacy journey.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:49
Reconsidering Assessments in the Age of Generative AI
07:36
Ethical Considerations in Using Generative AI
10:40
Integrating Generative AI: Experimentation and Collaboration
14:23
Generative AI's Limitations and Unique Contributions
16:11
The Role of Teachers in Training and Using Generative AI Responsibly
18:24
Practical Applications of Generative AI in Language Classrooms
25:06
Preparing for the Integration of Generative AI
29:37
Takeaways and Conclusion
Episode Resources
Vista’s The Language Imperative Podcast
https://go.vistahigherlearning.com/The-Language-Imperative-Podcast.html
Lo Logramos
https://lologramosconsulting.com/contact/
AI Innovator Community for Language Educators Site
https://lologramos.thinkific.com/bundles/ai-innovator-community-for-language-educators
Summary
Ryan Smith, a principal at Glenn Duncan Elementary School with 26 years of experience in education, discusses the importance of language development for elementary school students. He highlights the benefits of dual immersion programs and the rapid language acquisition he has witnessed in his own school with young students. Smith emphasizes the need for language education to be inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of their background or abilities. He also discusses the significance of the Seal of Biliteracy in recognizing and celebrating students' language proficiency, and encourages the language community to continue advocating for language education and to prioritize student engagement and relationships in the classroom.
Chapters
00:00
Introductions
03:11
Language Development in Elementary School
05:11
Dual Immersion Programs
07:54
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Language Education
13:09
Recognizing Language Proficiency with the Seal of Biliteracy
23:36
Language Education in Underserved Communities
28:44
Reimagining Electives in Education
37:39
The Impact of the Seal of Biliteracy
43:45
Final Thoughts and Appreciation
Episode Resources
Vista’s The Language Imperative Podcast
https://go.vistahigherlearning.com/The-Language-Imperative-Podcast.html
Vista’s Language and Literacy Solutions
https://vistahigherlearning.com/programs/k-12
Join Ricky Adamson in a dynamic conversation with Linda Egnatz, Executive Director of the Global Seal of Biliteracy, as they explore the significance of language acquisition and the role of State Seals of Biliteracy in recognizing bilingual skills. Linda sheds light on the creation of the Global Seal, filling crucial gaps in documenting language proficiency. They discuss how State Seals and the Global Seal complement each other, emphasizing the celebration of diversity and identity. Discover how students and educators can leverage these seals to their fullest potential, while also exploring the impact of these programs on classroom dynamics and student motivation, alongside advocacy efforts and funding opportunities for language education. Tune in to unlock the transformative power of these seal programs in advancing language learning and proficiency.
Episode Resources
The Global Seal of Biliteracy Website
The Seal of Biliteracy
Vista’s Language and Literacy Solutions
Vista’s Global Seal of Biliteracy Webinar with Linda Egnatz
Vista’s The Language Imperative Podcast
Howie Berman, Executive Director of ACTFL, shares the fifty-year perspectives, experiences, and vision leading to the decision to partner with the new national philanthropic Language Connects Foundation. The Foundation’s vision: preparation of a diverse, well-prepared, and highly skilled language educator workforce, with powerful outcomes for educators, students, and the nation. Hear how we all can benefit from and engage with this essential vision and mission.
Read the accompanying blog article for this episode.
Advocacy for language educational opportunities is a continuous flow of energy to and from the classroom through schools and communities, culminating in program creation and funding at state and national levels. In this conversation with Amanda Seewald, Executive Director of the national advocacy organization JNCL-NCLIS, we discuss world language education directions, opportunities, needs, and challenges.
Using humility, solidarity, and self-awareness as guiding principles, the Pulsera Project has opened the eyes and ears of students to target language art and perspectives while simultaneously partnering with target-culture artisans and their communities. We talk with Pulsera co-founder Chris Howell about the vision, mission, and impact of the Project in the lives of students and teachers, both in school and in the world.
Read the accompanying blog article for this episode.
Learn more about Vista’s partnership with The Pulsera Project—including a chance for K-12 teachers to win $1,000 in instructional materials and a trip to Central America!
Proficiency for All: Principles, Pathways, and Practices
If you’re dedicated to providing accessible and effective language-learning experiences that serve diverse student populations and needs, you don’t want to miss Mara Cobe’s insights on how to guide your planning by adopting key language instruction principles; how to gain confidence in processes to establish and adjust programs to ensure student success; and how to affirm the importance of your commitment to intentionality, relevance, and proficiency in challenging circumstances.
Hear how to build solid relationships that result in successful learning experiences for students and teachers. Gain insights into how “Lens of Life” teaching connects content to community. Understand the nature and power of Transformative Emotional Intelligence to transform lives. Come away affirmed and equipped for your work as a language educator.