Teacher Talking Time: The Learn YOUR English Podcast Is a TRULY task-based curriculum possible? - Claudia Fernandez
From beginner to intermediate in 9 months: yes, it's possible and Claudia Fernandez tells us how.
Claudia runs her Spanish program at the University of Illinois-Chicago using a task-based curriculum. One result was bringing fifteen A1 students to intermediate over 9 months. She shares her story and how others can do the same.
At the University of Illinois-Chicago, Claudia is a Clinical Associate Professor, where she directs the Spanish Basic Language Program using a task-based curriculum. Her research and teaching focus on task-based language teaching, materials development, and classroom-based language acquisition. She is an award-winning educator, published author, and active contributor to both national and international professional organizations in the field of language education.
In this episode, we dive into:
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Implementing task-based language teaching from scratch
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Why there is still pushback against TBLT
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Mindset shifts every institution needs
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Aligning tasks with assessments
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Claudia’s experience of helping students go from absolute beginner to intermediate in 9 months
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Effective task design
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How learners acquire grammar through input-based approaches
- Instruction habits that get in the way of learning
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How to create needs analyses in task-based learning
FOR MORE FROM CLAUDIA FERNANDEZ:
3. Her publication on moving from grammar to proficiency-driven programs
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