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...
Jul 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 122
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 shares specific classroom activities from his book that effectively utilize technology to improve listening and writing skills. The episode also address...
Jun 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 121
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 of textbook evaluation. Discover why layout matters more than you think, how to push back on publishers, and what to look for beyond just pretty pict...
Jun 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 120
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 make sure your voice is out there! Check out our advice on how to break into the conference presenting world! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/119...
Apr 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 119
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 AI is transforming language education.
Mar 31, 2025•34 min•Ep. 118
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 the conference. They also highlight interesting sessions they're planning to attend, covering everything from social justice issues to neuroscience in...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 117
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 a potential in-person meetup. Key Takeaways: Discover versatile tools that enhance student engagement and learning Learn about accessible, fuss-free ...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 116
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 joy in difficult times. 🎙️ In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Practical coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety How disconnecting from social m...
Feb 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 115
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 curious about its decentralized structure or how it stacks up for educators, this episode will guide you through the ins and outs of this new digital s...
Dec 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 114
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 takeaways! Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/113
Nov 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 113
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 their way through using tech, there are lots of possibilities to explore! Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/112...
Nov 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 112
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 and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book...
Oct 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 111
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. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/110 Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book Want to support the show? Leave ...
Sep 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 110
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 classroom. This conversation offers a glimpse into the future of writing instruction and the role technology can play in enhancing the student experience. ...
Sep 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 109
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/108 Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book Want to support the show? Leave us a review right here in you...
Aug 26, 2024•29 min•Ep. 108
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 death. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/107 Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book Want to support the show? ...
Aug 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 107
This is the last of our summer vacation episodes before we return in August! Reminder that you can get on the mailing list to be informed about updates regarding Brent's recently announced book with ISTE, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book For now, we wanted to revisit the big question of how AI will impact TESOL as an industry. Some thoughts have changed, some have remained the same - all are worth us continuing to discuss. You can find the original show notes for this episode at www.DIESOL....
Jul 15, 2024•57 min
We're on vacation taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects. Reminder that you can get on the mailing list to be informed about updates regarding Brent's recently announced book with ISTE, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book For now, as you're stepping into summer, that may mean chances to catch up on your PD! Step back in time with us to Episode 98 where we talked about 7 ways to fit PD into your busy schedule. You can find the origin...
Jul 01, 2024•26 min
We're taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects. But first, listen in for a BRAND NEW ANNOUNCEMENT about Brent's latest project... or if you already listened and just want to get on the mailing list, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book In the meantime, enjoy a revisit to a few episodes that continue to provide value and can spark some ideas you forgot about over the last year. We're starting off with our January episode of 24 Tools for...
Jun 24, 2024•56 min
What’s the best way to teach grammar? Explicitly laying out the rules for students, or giving them opportunities to discover it as they go? The research is clear, but it’s probably not what you were taught in your teaching program. In this episode Ixchell and Brent explore the realities of Deductive vs. Inductive grammar teaching. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/106 Want to support the show? Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher! Subscribe to the show on YouTube Subscribe on Patreon...
Jun 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 106
Do you love the idea of music in your teaching but struggle to find songs that fit your teaching needs? In this episode Brent and Ixchell share all about how AI can help bring customized, language focused music right into your classroom 🎶 Show notes at www.DIESOL.org/105
May 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 105
In today’s episode, we explore classroom observations and how to prepare for one. Join us as we discuss strategies to shift your mindset, engage students effectively, and avoid common pitfalls during observations. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a new teacher, this episode will equip you with practical tips to ace your next classroom observation. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/104 Want to support the show? Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher! Subscribe to the show on YouTube Subscr...
May 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 104
Brent A. Jones is currently the Director of Language Programs at Konan University, Hirao School of Management, joins us to share about how he and his colleagues built a Content & Language Integrated Learning program that uses practical and applicable skillsets while acquiring English in a setting where most people don't speak English. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/103 Want to support the show? Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher! Subscribe to the show on YouTube Subscribe on Patreon...
Apr 15, 2024•38 min•Ep. 103
Ever wondered how AI-generated images could transform language learning beyond just saving time? Join us on this episode of DIESOL, where we explore the uncharted territories of AI in language education. Ixchell & Brent try to break down the the self-scaffolding process of image generation and language development. Topics include: Discussing the potential of AI images in active language development. Exploring the shift from passive to active engagement with language through image generation....
Apr 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 102
Ever wonder how you can inspire your teaching team to embrace PD, despite their busy schedules or PD resistance? Tune in to this episode to uncover practical solutions that bring professional development into the daily routine without the dread. Understanding Resistance : Recognizing some of the common obstacles to PD, from time constraints to skepticism about new methods. Building a PD Community : Tips for fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration within your school or department...
Mar 18, 2024•25 min•Ep. 101
Welcome to a special milestone episode of the DIESOL podcast – Episode 100! In this celebratory edition, we turn the spotlight onto our listeners, friends of the show, guests of the show, new and old time listeners, the #DIESOLcrew, across the globe. We invited you to share your favorite tips, tricks, and / or tools with us. The response was overwhelming, and the result is a compilation of your favorite tips and tricks that every teacher should know! Here's to more sharing and innovating togethe...
Mar 04, 2024•54 min•Ep. 100
Do you find that you don't have enough time to customize your lessons and materials in the way that you want for your students? In this episode of The DIESOL Podcast, discover how AI can revolutionize your classroom prep strategies, offering personalized, innovative solutions to help you get ready for your curriculum, your lessons, your daily activities, and more. Listen in as we explore possibilities of integrating AI into your prep time, ensuring your lessons are as dynamic and effective as po...
Feb 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 99
Are you a busy educator looking for practical ways to integrate professional development into your hectic schedule? Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes share 7 practical strategies and resources to customize your professional development journey, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your daily routine. In this episode: Discover how to organize your podcasts for targeted professional growth. Explore platforms like edX and LinkedIn Learning for free, flexible courses from top universities. Making sure your...
Feb 05, 2024•25 min•Ep. 98
Dive into the inspiring journey of Mahmoud, an English instructor and former artillery field member, in DIESOL podcast episode 97. Discover how Mahmoud, also known as Polaris, built his English language skills on his own terms, fostering a unique perspective on self-empowered language learning. His experiences, from offering free tours on the streets of Jordan to teaching English, offer valuable insights for both students and teachers. Tune in to hear about his innovative approaches to language ...
Jan 15, 2024•54 min•Ep. 97
Happy new year! In this episode Brent and Ixchell dive into 24 tools to explore: lesson planning, time-savers, AI-infused search engines, angent builders, and more! Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/96 Want to support the show? Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher! Subscribe to the show on YouTube Subscribe on Patreon or Buy us a Coffee Thank you!!...
Jan 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 96
