Host: Hey there, welcome to our podcast! Today, we're diving into how teachers can mix things up linguistically in their classrooms with some cool techniques. Let's give a warm welcome to our guests, Karleigh and Solana, who are all about getting students more involved in class.

Guest 1 (Solana): Thanks for sharing that insightful perspective on how teachers can boost student involvement. Incorporating these three strategies, such as interactive group activities, encouraging student-led discussions, and utilizing multimedia resources, offers teachers a multifaceted approach to create a classroom atmosphere that's not just cozy for students but also fosters an environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to engage actively in their learning journey.

Guest 2 (Karleigh): Another avenue for teachers to promote diversity in their classrooms involves grasping the concept of translanguaging. Have you folks come across the term "translanguaging" before?

Host: Sure thing! But for our listeners who might not be familiar, would you mind explaining the term for them?

Guest 1 (Solana): To bring language and culture into the classroom, teachers can organize activities where students can use all their languages. This not only helps the teacher learn about their students' cultures but also lets students learn from each other. For example, they could do an activity where students write about themselves in their own languages, sharing things like their favorite traditions, sports, and food. Then, they can compare notes to find similarities and differences, which can help build connections between them and prevent anyone from feeling left out.

Guest 2 (Karleigh): Younger teachers can play a key role in educating older colleagues about translanguaging. One way to do this is by hosting a faculty-wide chat. Teachers who are clued in on translanguaging can talk to their peers about why it's important to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse students. They can share stories about bilingual students and highlight the drawbacks of ignoring multilingualism. Then, everyone can chip in with ideas on how to make all students feel included and understood. Even if some teachers aren't ready to change yet, at least they'll know that diversity doesn't mean a student is any less capable.

Host: Great insight! Educating colleagues helps students feel safe. What else can teachers do to boost student confidence in class?

Guest 1(Solana): Sure thing! Some students struggle with traditional participation methods, like raising their hand. To make sure everyone feels comfortable joining in, teachers can broaden what counts as participation. They can also mix things up by forming groups in class, where each student can take on a different role. Teachers can set their own rules. For instance, if a student doesn't answer in class, they could still get credit by sharing their thoughts in an online discussion. This shows they're tuned in and processing the lesson.

Guest 2 (Karleigh): That's a fantastic way to motivate student participation in class! On a related note, another way to involve students and observe their language usage is by allowing them to create their own language landscape.

Host: For those who aren't familiar, what does a language landscape typically entail?

Guest 2(Karleigh): A language landscape activity prompts students to reflect on their daily interactions. It involves considering factors like who they spoke to, when and where, communication methods used, topics discussed, and conversation purposes. This helps students assess their confidence in using different languages.

Guest 1( Solana): This activity sounds awesome! Would you assign it as homework or do it in class?

Guest 2( Karleigh): Yeah, I think it could go either way. I'd probably give it as homework so they can chat with folks at home, then share in class. I'd throw in some conversation starters too, just to get things rolling.

Host: What kind of conversation starters would you provide?

Guest 2(Karleigh): What kinds of interactions are common for you? What topics do you talk about most? Which languages do you use the most? What did you learn about your language landscape and its connection to your identity?

Guest 1(Solana): My favorite question starter is definitely the last one because it delves into how their language use connects with their identities, which can spark some really interesting discussions.

Host: I totally agree. It's about finding connections and appreciating each other's differences, which helps students bond. Plus, it sparks curiosity and encourages conversations. Now, let's talk more about letting students take a greater interest in what they learn.

Guest 1 (Solana): Have you heard of the facilitator approach to teaching? It's pretty interesting.

Guest 2(Karleigh): Yeah, that's right. It's when teachers see their students as already having a lot of knowledge and understanding when they walk through the school doors.

Guest 1 (Solana): 100%

Host: Can you please continue? I would love to learn more.

Guest 1(Solana): Sure thing! In the facilitator approach, the teacher emphasizes students' existing knowledge and understanding. It's a humanistic approach where the teacher guides students to question and explore, promoting self-discovery and problem-solving skills for deeper understanding.

Host: Exactly! It's like sneaking in life skills alongside the regular lesson plans without the students even noticing.

Guest 1(Solana): Absolutely! It cultivates curiosity in the classroom and streamlines lessons that everyone's already somewhat familiar with.

Host: What do you think are the strengths of this teaching approach?

Guest 2 (Karleigh): Solana, please correct me if I'm mistaken, but I think this approach has several strengths. It allows teachers to view students as individuals, not just empty vessels waiting to be filled with information. Teachers demonstrate significant regard for their students' backgrounds, experiences, needs, fears, interests, strengths, and weaknesses. This approach ultimately fosters mutual respect and provides continuous positive feedback, boosting self-confidence.

Guest 1(Solana): You got it spot on!

Host: Now that we recognize students as individuals with their own knowledge, we can foster a welcoming environment where every student feels comfortable participating and learning.

Guest 1 (Solana): I have to say, this conversation was really engaging and helpful. I enjoyed talking with you guys.

Guest 2 (Karleigh): Yeah, exchanging ideas like this was really valuable. I'm definitely going to use what I've learned in my classroom.

Host: I'm really thankful you could join us today to chat with me and our audience. I hope everyone took away something new. For teachers, I hope you've picked up some ideas on engaging your students in lessons and classrooms. And to the students listening, maybe you've found some new ways to interact with your peers. Feel free to share suggestions with your teachers on how to diversify learning approaches in the classroom. Here's to a bright future for students and teachers alike!