MM EP 2 - AI, Proficiency, and Student-Driven Language Learning with Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch скачать в хорошем качестве

MM EP 2 - AI, Proficiency, and Student-Driven Language Learning with Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch

We explore a powerful new approach to language education called facilitated interdependent language learning, or FILL. We welcome Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch, two educators and innovators who are helping redefine what language learning can look like in an AI-supported world. We ground the conversation in a simple but transformative idea: learners want to learn languages, not just take language courses. Episode Notes 00:00 Welcome + introducing FILL 00:40 Meet Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch 02:10 Ryan’s path to FILL and language access 04:45 Tom’s educator journey and dissatisfaction with traditional courses 07:40 What FILL is and why it matters 08:30 Administrative problems FILL solves (singletons, scheduling) 12:10 Teacher shortages and shrinking language programs 13:10 How FILL works day-to-day 15:30 Weekly goal sheets + can-do statements 20:40 Minecraft example and learner-driven topics 23:30 AI tools and prompting for learning plans 31:10 Asset-based assessment and mistake-making 34:00 Challenges: Duolingo dependence and balance of structure 37:20 Building routines: writing workshops + unplugged Thursdays 41:40 Results: earning graduation credit in one semester 43:40 ASL learner transformation story 46:50 Hope for the future of language learning 49:00 Plurilingual possibilities and structural change 50:30 Closing + neural network invitation Dr. Ryan Allen is a high school teacher and researcher focused on how artificial intelligence can personalize language learning for adolescents. Through his work with Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL), he empowers students to choose any language they wish to study and earn graduation credit based on demonstrated proficiency rather than seat time. Tom Welch is a lifelong educator and innovator who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of traditional schooling. A former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and high school principal, Tom is known for his bold, learner-centered leadership. These days, Tom focuses on Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL) and asset-based assessment, helping educators like Ryan personalize learning around student strengths and proficiency. A longtime leader in the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, he champions a shift from schooling to true learning—powered by trust, technology, and learner agency. He also helps facilitate a weekly "Neural Network" Zoom gathering on Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM CT. Feel free to contact him for an invitation at Tom Welch: twelchky@gmail.com Dr. Ryan Allen: ryan.allen@delmar.k12.de.us Links Mentioned in this episode: Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.com STAMP Language Proficiency Test – https://www.avantassessment.com/stamp Dr Allen's Blog Post https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/... AI prompt templates for teachers and learners: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b... Ideas and prompts for writing, listening, and speaking practice: https://docs.google.com/presentation/... Overview of how we leverage various AI tools and platforms: https://docs.google.com/presentation/... Natural Readers (text-to-speech) – https://www.naturalreaders.com NotebookLM (Google AI learning tool) – https://notebooklm.google Duolingo – https://www.duolingo.com Perplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.ai National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL) – https://www.ncssfl.org https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/... Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!