I'm Learning Mandarin Teaching Languages Through Storytelling: Interview with Bryce Hedstrom
Nov 13, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Bryce Hedstrom, an award-winning teacher trainer with a rich background in Spanish instruction, shares his passion for languages and storytelling. He recounts his transformative experience learning Spanish in Chile, emphasizing the importance of comprehensible input. Bryce highlights how storytelling enhances language acquisition and the balance between implicit and explicit learning. He also delves into the impact of AI on language education, discussing its limitations and the essential role of human interaction in effective teaching.
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From Exchange Student To Lifelong Teacher
- Bryce became fluent after a 9-month exchange in Chile and tested out of two years of college Spanish.
- He then majored in Spanish and taught it for decades, combining many personal interests into teaching.
Immersion Multiplies Existing Knowledge
- Immersion plus prior content knowledge accelerates language acquisition dramatically.
- Reading, daily interaction, and engaging activities produced huge vocabulary gains quickly.
Teach By Simplified Storytelling
- Use storytelling with a tiny verb set (says, does, wants, has) to create comprehensible, engaging input.
- Involve students in choices so they co-create the story and internalize language naturally.
