The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Afleveringen

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  DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit 06.07.2026 38min

  While we frequently focus on digital tools and EdTech, what about the physical items in your room that impact your students' focus, energy, and overall mood? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell get physical and discuss how to build a tangible "classroom kit" that can lower the affective filter and set your students up for success. Show Notes and Transcript: https://diesol.org/episode/episode-140-whats-in-the-box-building-a-classroom-kit/
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  DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era 02.06.2026 36min

  How do we help students build genuine writing skills when AI tools can easily do the work for them? In this episode, Brent & Ixchell share practical strategies, low-tech solutions, and clever ways to use AI as a scaffold rather than a shortcut, ensuring students still do the hard work of learning. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/139 
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  DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration 18.05.2026 38min

  How can you explore new ideas while still taking time to unwind from the school year? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent share practical tools, creative pedagogy, and accessible resources to keep your innovative juices flowing without leading to summer burnout. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/138
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  DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila 05.05.2026 36min

  Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes are joined by internationally recognized consultant and former teacher, Sara Davila, to explore how creative thinking strategies can boost productive fluency in language learners. From practical techniques like the Idea Box and reverse brainstorming to the role of AI as a creative partner, Sara shares actionable ideas teachers can use right away, whether low-tech or no-tech environment. If you've ever wondered how to move students from knowing English to actually using it with confidence, this episode is for you! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/137 
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  DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum 20.04.2026 40min

  In today's episode, we're tackling a common challenge. Your students want to build their vocabulary, but your class isn't really focused on vocabulary learning. So what can you do? We're looking at simple, practical ways to weave vocabulary into any lesson, without needing to redesign your whole curriculum. From choosing the right words to helping students actually use them in real contexts, we'll share ideas you can start using right away. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/136  YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@DIESOLpod 
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  DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3 06.04.2026 41min

  We're seeing many reports of schools banning the use of mobile devices during school hours. There are multiple articles sharing the impact that the use of mobile devices has on student academic achievement scores. Is the backlash against classroom tech justified, or are we missing something important? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell dig into the growing global movement to ban phones and devices from schools, and discuss ways for more thoughtful approach to EdTech without compromising student achievement. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/135 
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  DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom 16.03.2026 39min

  In this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It's a heavy subject, but it's also incredibly relevant, both right now and for anyone working with English learners. Our field serves populations who, more often than not, have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. Most instructors are not trained in trauma counseling or mental health support. Because of that, Brent and Ixchell turned to research articles and expert perspectives to help listeners better understand how educators can create supportive, responsive classroom environments for students who may be carrying these experiences. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/134 
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  DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026 02.02.2026 30min

  "Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over time, these can become stale, predictable, and dreaded by both students and teachers. Fear not! A simple twist and a fresh purpose can add some spark to these activities. Better ice-breakers can promote community and rapport from day 1! Join Brent and Ixchell as they help teachers upgrade from stale icebreakers to fun icecrushers! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/133 
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  DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers 26.01.2026 32min

  In this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher's perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? How can students utilize it? We look at how it works with your own lesson notes and materials, what it's genuinely helpful for, and what still needs a human touch. It's an honest conversation about where this tool fits into ELT language tasks without the pressure to use "all the things." Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/132 
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  DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026 05.01.2026 45min

  Happy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Brent share 26 tools for 2026. Whether they're resource collections, useful websites, or physical items, we hope something on this list will pique your interest! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/131 
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  2025 Winter Interlude 23.12.2025 2min

  No December episodes, but we do have a message from a very special guest as we wrap up 2025!  We'll be back with new episodes starting on January 5th!  Happy Holidays, everyone!
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  DIESOL 130 - A Very DIESOL Thanksgiving 17.11.2025 24min

  Research shows that finding things to be grateful for actually releases dopamine and serotonin (the happy chemicals!) in the brain, which means more calmness during difficult times, resiliency, a stronger will to survive and thrive, and overall groundedness. This means we can make better decisions under stress, and who doesn't want to be better at that? Join Brent and Ixchell as they share what they're thankful for this year! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/130 
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  DIESOL 129 - When Knowing Too Much Holds You Back 03.11.2025 30min

  We tend to think expertise is always an advantage, but what if knowing too much can actually hold you back? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore the research showing that experts can struggle with creative problem-solving in ways beginners don't. Discover why well-worn mental pathways can become traps, how automaticity makes it harder to explain what you know, and when a fresh perspective beats years of experience. Listen in for ways to open your mind back up to the "beginner's mindset" and seeing your students' learning experience with fresh eyes. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/129 
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  DIESOL 128 - 13 Scary Halloween Ideas You Can Use Right Away 20.10.2025 31min

  Halloween classroom activities don't have to be boring. We've got 13 ideas that are actually going to make your students want to learn - from storytelling twists that'll get everyone engaged to activities that go way beyond just putting on a costume. In this episode, we're breaking down creative approaches that work across different language levels. Have some fun using these strategies to make your classroom come back from the dead. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced students, we've got something that'll spark their imagination and make learning feel like an adventure. Want to know how? Tune in! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/128 
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  DIESOL 127 - Open Educational Resources in English Language Teaching 06.10.2025 30min

  In Episode 127 we're exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), an affordable, customizable alternative to pricey textbooks. We'll dive into what OER is, benefits of an OER, how and why Brent is building his own OER, and more. OER isn't without its challenges. Designing well and integrating activities can be tricky, as Brent explains. How can a teacher start building their own OER? Tune in to learn more! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/127 
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  DIESOL 126 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast (Part 2) 15.09.2025 44min

  We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work. This is part two of a two-part experimental mini-series, continuing where we left of and moving into conversations about practical strategies to implement Reflective Teaching. The previous episode was done the DIESOL way, and this episode is done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. If you liked this episdoe, please check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/126
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  DIESOL 125 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast 01.09.2025 39min

  We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work. This episode goes deep - far beyond thinking about your lesson and moving into transformative teaching for dedicated educators. Listen in for a deeper understanding of reflective teaching and approaches you can make to use it to improve experiences for both you and your students. This is part one of a two-part experimental mini-series. This episode is done the DIESOL way, and the next episode will be done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. We hope you'll check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/125 
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  DIESOL 124 - How to Build Classroom Community 04.08.2025 34min

  In a world full of apps and digital tools, sometimes the most powerful classroom connections happen with nothing more than paper, name tags, and a little imagination. In this episode, we explore some of our favorite community-building ideas, and add fresh, low-tech strategies that get students moving, talking, and genuinely engaging—with each other and with the language. Whether you're just starting the term or looking to reboot your class culture mid-semester, these ideas are easy to implement, low on tech, and high on impact. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/124 
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  DIESOL 123 - Low-Stress Summer PD 21.07.2025 22min

  If you're not ready to dive into anything heavy but still want to stay a little connected to your teaching brain, this one's for you. In today's episode, we're sharing low-key ways to dip into PD—stuff you can explore between naps, walks, or iced coffee refills. No pressure, no big goals—just light, helpful ideas to keep you inspired while still enjoying your break. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/123 
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  DIESOL 122 - ISTELive25 Recap 07.07.2025 29min

  In this episode, Ixchell and Brent dive into #ISTELive 25 in San Antonio. From eye-opening sessions that revealed cutting-edge tools to the pervasive influence of AI in ESOL, we'll cover what truly stood out. Join us as Brent shares his insights on the most impactful trends for ESOL education, advice for teachers, and some memorable moments from the vendor hall. You won't want to miss this discussion on what's shaping the future of language teaching! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/122