The DIESOL Podcast covers EdTech in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. The show helps teachers consider best practices for their English Learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom to help students where they are. DIESOL: Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language
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Ixchell Reyes Podcasts
Stimulating dialogues with friends, family and anyone else who has something to say. Serious and not so serious topics but definitely not taking ourselves too seriously. Check wordhunters.com/blog for show notes and links.
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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!By Ixchell Reyes & Brent Warner
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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 …
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DIESOL 129 - When Knowing Too Much Holds You Back
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30:38
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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 explai…
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DIESOL 128 - 13 Scary Halloween Ideas You Can Use Right Away
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31:50
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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…
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DIESOL 127 - Open Educational Resources in English Language Teaching
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30:27
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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 te…
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DIESOL 126 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast (Part 2)
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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 t…
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DIESOL 125 - Reflective Teaching with the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
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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…
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DIESOL 124 - How to Build Classroom Community
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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…
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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 en…
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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 th…
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DIESOL 121 - Why Tech Matters in Language Learning
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In this episode Ixchell Reyes and Brent Warner discuss the integration of technology in English as a Second or Other Language teaching, coinciding with the upcoming release of Brent's new book. They emphasize the importance of using technology to enhance student learning beyond traditional methods, highlighting a student-centered approach. Brent sh…
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Tired of textbooks that leave you scrambling to create supplemental activities? Join Brent and Ixchell as they break down what actually makes a language textbook worth your time and money. From spotting integrated skills and authentic materials to ensuring cultural representation that reflects your diverse classroom, they reveal the insider secrets…
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Richard Harrison was granted the title of Professor Emeritus at Kobe University in early 2025. He received his Ba. Hons (1st Class) in Japanese Studies (Japanese linguistics) from Sheffield University in 1988. He has since been teaching Japanese in the UK, Australia and Japan. He received an Master of Education (Technology) from Monash University i…
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DIESOL 119 - Conference Crunch Time: Ready Set Submit!
28:44
28:44
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Ready to present at conferences, but don't know where to start? We're here to guide you through the ins and outs of getting your name on the conference program. If you've been attending conferences and you're thinking about the possibility of presenting, we're here to break down the things you should consider. The world needs to hear from you, so m…
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DIESOL 118 - 10 Questions Teachers are Asking About AI
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Join Brent and Ixchell as they dive into the top AI questions educators are asking right now. Straight from the TESOL conference, they break down the most pressing concerns about AI tools, from choosing the right platform to understanding classroom applications. Discover practical insights, hear real teacher experiences, and get a clear view of how…
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Are you heading to TESOL 2025 in Long Beach? Brent and Ixchell share all the details about their presentations, including panels on AI in materials development, AI-generated artwork for language learning, and strategies for individualizing writing. Get the inside scoop on the revival of Drinks with DIESOL as well as their live podcast recording at …
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DIESOL 116 - Edushare.ing & Other Simple Single-Use Tools You Can Use Today
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Tired of bloated all-in-one platforms that do too much? Discover simple, single-use tools that do one thing well and make your life easier! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share their favorite free and low-cost tools that can streamline your teaching workflow - most with no logins required. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming time at TESOL and…
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Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? You're not alone. In this candid episode, Brent and Ixchell open up about the struggles of coping with uncertainty, stress, and anxiety—both for themselves and their students. They share practical strategies for staying grounded, maintaining mental well-being, and finding small moments of jo…
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What's the buzz about BlueSky? Should you join the migration from Twitter? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell explore BlueSky, the emerging social media platform educators are flocking to. Reflecting on Twitter's past and this promising alternative, they dive into BlueSky's potential for professional networks and classroom impact. Whether you're cu…
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Conferences are a good place to get a pulse check on what people are thinking about in the field, and with CATESOL 2024 right up the road, Brent chased down educators in the TESOL field to get their impressions of the conference and what they're focusing on these days. Join us to hear straight from a variety of teachers about their insights and tak…
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DIESOL 112 - Project Based Learning with Jesus Huerta
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If you've got tech in your classroom that you haven't implemented with your students, Jesus Huerta talks us through some of the reasons and ways you should consider bringing Project Based Learning into your English Language Learning classes. Whether it be opening students' minds to the possibilities of language, or just having fun with talking thei…
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AI is still here and is coming to get us all! This Halloween season Brent and Ixchell bring you a list of thirteen scary approaches to AI. The discussion points range from assumptions about student cheating and AI proficiency to neglecting AI's impact on critical thinking and the digital divide. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/111 Join the mailing list …
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DIESOL 110 - Are Deadlines Hurting Students?
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Are deadlines hurting students? Should we adopt more flexible submission policies? In this episode Ixchell & Brent discuss the pros and cons of deadlines: hard, non-existent, and in-between. Join in as we discuss how educators are reconsidering their policies and implementing flexible approaches to foster a more supportive learning environment. Sho…
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DIESOL 109 - The Effective Use of AI on Feedback and Grading with Jen Roberts
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Jen Roberts, an experienced high school English teacher, shares her innovative approach to using AI for student feedback and grading. Discover how AI tools are empowering her students, improving their writing, and transforming the feedback process. Hear Jen's insights on the benefits, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI into the class…
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Ice Breakers are a great way for students to get more comfortable with each other, but students may be burnt out on the same old activities or you may be looking for something to distinguish your class from the rest. Listen in for 10 different approaches to Ice Breakers for your new classes or just for a change of pace. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/1…
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DIESOL 107 - Drill and Kill or Drill and Skill?
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Drill activities have gotten a bad rap over the last several years, but is there a place for them in the language learning classroom? Instead of throwing out an entire methodology, let's look at when it's appropriate and when it's not appropriate to use drills. This episode explores how we can build fundamental skillsets without boring students to …
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