DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
While we frequently focus on digital tools and EdTech, what about the physical items in your room that impact your students' focus, energy, and overall mood? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell get physical and discuss how to build a tangible "classroom kit" that can lower the affective filter and set your students up for success. Show Notes and Transcript:
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DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
How do we help students build genuine writing skills when AI tools can easily do the work for them? In this episode, Brent & Ixchell share practical strategies, low-tech solutions, and clever ways to use AI as a scaffold rather than a shortcut, ensuring students still do the hard work of learning. Show Notes:
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DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
How can you explore new ideas while still taking time to unwind from the school year? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent share practical tools, creative pedagogy, and accessible resources to keep your innovative juices flowing without leading to summer burnout. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/138
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DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes are joined by internationally recognized consultant and former teacher, Sara Davila, to explore how creative thinking strategies can boost productive fluency in language learners. From practical techniques like the Idea Box and reverse brainstorming to the role of AI as a creative partner, Sara shares actionable ideas teachers can use right away, whether low-tech or no-tech environment. If you’ve ever wondered how to move students from knowing English to actually using it with confidence, this episode is for you! Show notes:
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DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
In today’s episode, we’re tackling a common challenge. Your students want to build their vocabulary, but your class isn’t really focused on vocabulary learning. So what can you do? We’re looking at simple, practical ways to weave vocabulary into any lesson, without needing to redesign your whole curriculum. From choosing the right words to helping students actually use them in real contexts, we’ll share ideas you can start using right away. Show Notes: YouTube:
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DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
We’re seeing many reports of schools banning the use of mobile devices during school hours. There are multiple articles sharing the impact that the use of mobile devices has on student academic achievement scores. Is the backlash against classroom tech justified, or are we missing something important? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell dig into the growing global movement to ban phones and devices from schools, and discuss ways for more thoughtful approach to EdTech without compromising student achievement. Show notes:
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DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It’s a heavy subject, but it’s also incredibly relevant, both right now and for anyone working with English learners. Our field serves populations who, more often than not, have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. Most instructors are not trained in trauma counseling or mental health support. Because of that, Brent and Ixchell turned to research articles and expert perspectives to help listeners better understand how educators can create supportive, responsive classroom environments for students...
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DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
"Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over time, these can become stale, predictable, and dreaded by both students and teachers. Fear not! A simple twist and a fresh purpose can add some spark to these activities. Better ice-breakers can promote community and rapport from day 1! Join Brent and Ixchell as they help teachers upgrade from stale icebreakers to fun icecrushers! Show notes:
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DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher’s perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? How can students utilize it? We look at how it works with your own lesson notes and materials, what it’s genuinely helpful for, and what still needs a human touch. It’s an honest conversation about where this tool fits into ELT language tasks without the pressure to use “all the things.” Show notes:
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DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
Happy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Brent share 26 tools for 2026. Whether they're resource collections, useful websites, or physical items, we hope something on this list will pique your interest! Show notes:
info_outlineTired 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 pictures. Whether you're stuck with assigned texts or have the freedom to choose, this episode will transform how you evaluate teaching materials. Stop letting textbooks control your teaching—make them work for you!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/120