Tag Archives: mike travers

195: Teaching Grammar For Proficiency with Catherine Ritz and Mike Travers


There are lots of misconceptions about teaching grammar. There are also opinions about whether or not there is a place for teaching grammar in a proficiency-based classroom. In this episode, Catherine Ritz and Mike Travers, authors of Proficiency-Based Instruction: Teaching GRAMMAR for Proficiency, join me to talk about the place of grammar in a proficiency-based classroom.  And yes, there is a place for it.

Topics in this Episode:

  • Misconceptions around teaching grammar and how Catherine and Mike’s book, Teaching GRAMMAR for Proficiency,  addresses them
  • What it looks like to teach grammar in a way that truly supports communication and proficiency, rather than just memorization and drills
  • In a proficiency-based vertical curriculum, how (or should) we incorporate grammar  Should specific grammar structures be explicitly planned for, or should they emerge more organically based on themes and student needs?
  • Examples of an activities and strategies that effectively integrates grammar while keeping communication at the center of learning
  • First steps to take when shifting toward a proficiency-based approach
  • Get your copy of Proficiency-Based Instruction: Teaching GRAMMAR for ProficiencyUse the code ACTFL15OFF to get 15% off the cost of the book.

Connect with Catherine Ritz and Mike Travers:

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168: How to Deal with Resistance to Change with Tim Eagan and Mike Travers


How well do you navigate change? Are you open to it?  What do you need to reduce any resistance that you might have? How do you support colleagues through the process?  In our ever-evolving world of language teaching and learning there are opportunities for change in our practice. But, is it easy? In this episode, I speak with Tim Eagan and Mike Travers, who are teachers and administrators in Massachusetts. They share some actionable insights and suggestions for approaching, understanding and eventually embracing change.

Topics in this Episode:

Connect with Tim Eagan and Mike Travers:

Work with Joshua either in person or remotely.

Teachers want to hear from you and what you are proud of in your classroom.
Join me as a guest on the podcast.

Follow wherever you listen to podcasts.

9: Teach Grammar as a Concept and in Context with Mike Travers

In this episode we talk about grammar.  This is always a hot topic in language teaching with lots of questions about how (or even if) we should do it.  [sign up for Talking Points]

I am joined by Mike Travers, a teacher in Massachusetts, who has presented on this topic many times at teacher conferences, having been named “Best of Conference.”  So, who better to help with this conversation?

Mike speaks about…

  • The role of grammar in communicative language teaching.
  • ACTFL’s Core Practice of Teaching Grammar as a Concept and in Context.
  • Why is it essential and beneficial that language structures be taught in context.
  • Procedures for teaching grammar in context and as a concept.
  • Possible benefits of explicit grammar instruction.

Connect with Mike Travers:

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