Speaking of Language S15E7 - Blaine & Von Ray - The Fastest Way to Fluency
Mar 12, 2025
Blaine Ray, the visionary behind TPRS and a dedicated language educator, joins his son Vaughn Ray, a passionate language teacher and co-owner of TPRS Books. They dive into the transformative TPRS method, sharing how storytelling accelerates fluency. Blaine recounts his early challenges, while Vaughn stresses the importance of manageable chunks and daily feedback. They discuss TPRS advantages, including heightened engagement and energy in the classroom. Both highlight impressive outcomes in adult language classes, showcasing the method's effectiveness.
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From Language Failure To Teaching
- Blaine Ray describes failing at four years of Spanish until a mission to Chile forced real-world use and fluency.
- That experience motivated him to become a teacher who rejected traditional methods and searched for what actually works.
How TPRS Began In One Classroom
- Blaine recounts discovering The Natural Approach and how dramatizing stories plus teacher questioning made input comprehensible.
- That accidental classroom drama and questioning formed the origins of TPRS.
Research Supports Rapid Gains
- Comparative research shows TPRS often outperforms traditional methods and yields faster proficiency gains.
- Vaughn cites data where many beginners reach intermediate levels in 60–80 hours instead of years.
