
Benjamin L. Stewart
By Benjamin L. Stewart
This is an educational podcast and community, making teaching and learning more transparent.

BLS_101: Overview of Online Spaces Used to Make Teaching and Learning More Transparent
In this episode, I provide an overview of my website, blog, podcast, newsletter, and online courseware. Video: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/blog/bls_101-overview-of-online-spaces-used-to-make-teaching-and-learning-more-transparent#/
Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)
07:38
February 13, 2022

BLS_100: A Conversation to Narrow Down a Topic for a Five-Paragraph Essay
In this episode, I share a recent conversation I had with a learner regarding narrowing down a topic for a five-paragraph essay. The learner granted me permission to share our conversation publicly.
Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure MV7; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)
18:58
February 06, 2022

BLS_99: Group feedback for those taking Listening & Speaking II
In this episode I provide group feedback to English language learners from a recent speaking practice exercise: pronunciation and vocabulary, showing enthusiasm, and approaches to answering philosophical questions.
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)
16:20
January 29, 2022

BLS_98: Employing a Strategy for Creating a (Student) Podcast
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)
13:35
January 25, 2022

ItC 97: Writing Workshop and Sharing One's Work
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)
05:20
January 24, 2022

ItC 96: How podcasting will be used during spring semester of 2022
In this episode, I provide a brief overview of how podcasting will be used in the classes I'm scheduled to teach this spring semester 2022.
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
09:47
January 21, 2022

ItC 95: Leveraging Online Spaces for Educational Purposes
In this episode, I discuss leveraging this podcast with other public online spaces.
Newsletter: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
12:23
January 15, 2022

ItC 94: Why I Podcast: An Educator's Perspective
In this epísode, I discuss the reason I podcast.
Newsletter: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
14:12
January 09, 2022

ItC 93: Writing a Thesis Statement
In this episode, I discuss a few considerations when writing a thesis paper and more specifically when developing a literature review. https://benjaminlstewart.org/TOEFL-English-Practice-Course-3e8ca9a7b17847d89a65722bad54b259
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
14:59
December 12, 2021

ItC 92: Brief Reorientation
Getting back to podcasting. If you are in the area, I encourage you to attend the MEXTESOL regional conference, Jan. 15, 2022. I also discuss a TOEFL course I'll be giving next week. https://www.facebook.com/mextesolaguascalienteschapter https://benjaminlstewart.org/TOEFL-English-Practice-Course-3e8ca9a7b17847d89a65722bad54b259
Newsletter: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
06:21
December 10, 2021

ItC 91: Error Code List
In this episode, I discuss an error code list used to provide feedback to writers developing an academic text.
Newsletter: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
09:34
September 19, 2021

ItC 90: Introduction and Conclusion Paragraph Development
In this episode, I explain how to develop an introduction and conclusion paragraph when writing a five-paragraph (academic) essay.
Newsletter: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
17:13
September 08, 2021

ItC 89: M.E.A.L. Plan - Developing a Body Paragraph
[KSU Writing Center](https://writingcenter.kennesaw.edu/resources/handouts_print/MEAL_PLAN%20Accessible.pdf)
https://writingcenter.kennesaw.edu/
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/; @bnleez (Twitter)
18:29
September 05, 2021

ItC 88: Navigating Course Content using Trello
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/ @bnleez
12:32
August 22, 2021

ItC 87: Student Podcast Template
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/ @bnleez
05:41
August 12, 2021

ItC 86: Using Trello on a cell phone
**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure MV7; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
11:33
August 09, 2021

ItC 84: Introduction to Student Podcasting (part II)
Description
This semester, you'll produce a weekly podcast. See below the requirements for completing your podcast.
Podcast Requirements
Speak a minimum of 8-10 minutes and no longer than 60 minute
Option 1: The topic of the podcast can be anything that links to anything we have discussed in class. Your discussion might relate to different topics and/or can be a reflection (expressing what you think). Option 2: If you plan to create a serial podcast, then you may choose one topic to develop the entire semester. For those who had me in Prope, you may continue the same topic by creating new podcasts to further develop what you discussed last year.
Include a hook, introduction (podcast name, tagline, your name, date, and key points of the episode), body (choose two-four key points), and conclusion (thank the audience, closing statement and/or what to expect in future episodes). Find an example of a podcast that serves as a model in how you present your intro and outro.
Upload episodes between Thursday to Sunday of each week.
Each of your episodes should draw on information (content) taken from other podcasts. The information taken from these sources should be included in your episode: 1) description of what was said, 2) your interpretation or feelings about the information (or how it relates to the key point of your episode), and 3) reference where you got the information (who said it).
Avoid reading any text during your podcast episode.
Using background music is optional. If you do use background music make sure to choose only music which is under the public domain (attribution not required) or a creative commons license (attribution required).
Register Podcast
Add your name and OneDrive URL to Teams folder where episodes (accepted audio files) will be uploaded each week.
Optional: If you decide to publish a public podcast (e.g., https://anchor.fm), create an Anchor account (or any other podcast host of your choice) and include your public URL along in addition to your OneDrive URL mentioned above.
15:60
August 06, 2021

ItC 85: ICT Overview for fall 2021 semester
Fall 2021 Courses
Discourse Analysis (5th semester) | https://trello.com/b/9sj2AeuP
Communicative Abilities in English I https://trello.com/b/6cI1VqiX
Listening & Speaking I https://trello.com/b/hwXiSBMt
Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure MV7; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
12:41
August 06, 2021

ItC 83: Introduction to Student Podcasting (part I)
This is one of two podcast episodes introducing student podcasting for two different subjects I'm scheduled to teach this fall 2021 semester (Aug.-Dec. 2021).
Podcast Requirements
Speak a minimum of 3-5 minutes and no longer than 60 minutes. The minimum will increase throughout the semester.
Choose any topic that you wish to discuss the entire semester. It must be a topic you will not get tired of discussing each week over the 16-week semester.
Include a hook, introduction (podcast name, tagline, your name, date, and key points of the episode), body (choose two-four key points), and conclusion (thank the audience, closing statement and/or what to expect in future episodes). Find an example of a podcast that serves as a model in how you present your intro and outro.
Upload podcast episodes between Thursday to Sunday of each week.
Each of your episodes should draw on information (content) taken from other podcasts. The information taken from these sources should be included in your episode: 1) description of what was said, 2) your interpretation or feelings about the information (or how it relates to the key point of your episode), and 3) reference where you got the information and who said it.
Avoid reading any text during your podcast episode.
Using background music is optional. If you do use background music make sure to choose only music which is under the public domain (attribution not required) or a creative commons license (attribution required).
Register Podcast
Add your name and OneDrive URL to Teams (private) folder where episodes (accepted audio files) will be uploaded each week.
Optional: If you decide to produce a public podcast (e.g., https://anchor.fm), create an Anchor account (or any other podcast host of your choice) and include your public URL along in addition to your OneDrive URL mentioned above.
Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure MV7; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
23:33
August 03, 2021

ItC 82: Trello Overview
For the fall 2021 semester, I'll be using Trello for the following three courses: Listening & Speaking I (the first of two propaedeutic semesters), Communicative Abilities in English I (1st semester), and Discourse Analysis (5th semester). Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure MV7; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 lugs): Kdenlive; Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
08:59
July 30, 2021

ItC 81: Using a Trello template for project-based learning
Website: https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
09:58
July 18, 2021

ItC 80: Different ways of classifying modes of learning
Show notes: https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
16:33
July 16, 2021

ItC 79: How can you prepare for a Writing I extraordinary exam (Persuasive Essay)?
Show notes: https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
27:46
July 15, 2021

Episode 78: Project-based learning vs. problem-based learning
https://www.benjaminlstewart.org/
13:06
July 12, 2021

Using the term "student" vs. the term "learner"
In this episode, I discuss the terms "student" and "learner" from an instructor's perspective.
16:23
July 09, 2021

What's the objective when presenting an oral defense?
Page Notes: https://benjaminlstewart.org/when-presenting-an-oral-defense-answer-the-research-questions/ Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
06:55
June 03, 2021

Autonomous Learning and Teacher Feedback
In this episode, I share a recent feedback session with learners who are enrolled in a thesis seminar course. The feedback session is designed to promote autonomous learning. Show notes: https://benjaminlstewart.org/autonomous-learning-and-teacher-feedback/
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
23:20
April 25, 2021

Thesis Seminar Recap: Week 10
In this episode, I address the following question: What if the data I'm collecting do not answer my research questions? The show notes to this episode can be found at benjaminlstewart.org.
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
10:49
March 28, 2021

How to Triangulate Data Sources
In this episode, I discuss triangulation when doing qualitative research. Newsletter: How to Triangulate Data Sources - Benjamin L. Stewart (substack.com)
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
09:52
March 22, 2021

Assessing Literature Reviews
In this episode, I discuss three ways I assess literature reviews: comments posted to a Word document linking to pages in Notion.so, Grammarly, and a (provisional) grade. Newsletter: Assessing Literature Reviews - Benjamin L. Stewart (substack.com)
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
07:54
March 22, 2021

Thesis Seminar: M.E.A.L. Plan (paragraph development)
In this episode, I discuss paragraph development using the acronym, M.E.A.L. (plan).
Page: https://benjaminlstewart.org/M-E-A-L-Plan-f29fd645d5e04fca871ecd3e2c67087f
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
10:11
February 10, 2021

Thesis Seminar: Recap for Weeks 1 & 2
In this episode, I recap the main points from weeks one and two.
Page: https://www.notion.so/uaabaelt/Thesis-Seminar-Week-1-2-Recap-20f6603dd3c94a4fa2d21c34d7a8dcce
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
13:57
February 07, 2021

ICT Workflow for Teachers Creating Online Content
In this episode, I discuss a few technologies I currently use to produce audio and video as course content for learners. Page: https://benjaminlstewart.org/Producing-Audio-Video-for-Teachers-d35a2c80a5cd4b4cbc905961c348484d
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
11:06
January 25, 2021

How do ICTs and different interactional patterns align so that learning objectives are met?
In this episode, I discuss different interactional patterns using a variety of information communication technologies (ICTs) in a Thesis Seminar course I'm giving this spring 2021 semester (beginning January 25, 2021). #thesisseminar2021
Page: https://www.notion.so/uaabaelt/Student-Interactions-and-ICTs-b4e5342a15d6450f8cdbcf3423a57c5d
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
16:43
January 24, 2021

Thesis Seminar: Literature Review and Research Alignment
In this episode, I discuss moving from a literature review (theoretical framework) to the practicalities of conducting a study.
Page: https://benjaminlstewart.org/Narrowing-Down-a-Topic-e0788d9619b345a0839d8f9c88eb3cba
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
09:51
January 14, 2021

Thesis Seminar: Tutoring Session Workflow
In this episode, I discuss a planned workflow for scheduling tutoring sessions between learner and instructor. Thesis Seminar: https://tinyurl.com/y34rynfr
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
09:59
January 10, 2021

The Toulmin Method to Develop an Argument
In this episode, I discuss the Toulmin Method for developing an argument (Thesis Seminar).
https://www.notion.so/uaabaelt/Organizing-Your-Argument-7166f1f221c440b09492fc35bba251b8
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
17:36
January 03, 2021

Thesis Seminar: Scheduling Bi-Weekly Tutoring Sessions/Journal Entries
In this episode, I discuss how to use Notion to schedule bi-weekly tutoring sessions and submit bi-weekly written journal entries: Link to Thesis Seminar.
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
14:20
January 02, 2021

Thesis Seminar (Open Courseware)
In this episode, I discuss different technologies used to deliver a thesis seminar scheduled for the spring semester of 2021.
In the Classroom @ https://benjaminlstewart.org
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
18:52
December 30, 2020

Thesis Seminar: Using a Word Template for Completing a Thesis Paper (part 2)
In this episode, I continue discussing the Thesis Seminar template, specifically the Method, Results and Discussion, and References sections.
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
17:07
December 26, 2020

Thesis Seminar: Using a Word Template for Completing a Thesis Paper (part 1)
In this episode, I discuss the first half of a thesis seminar Word template used to help English language learning writers to develop a literature review. This template may be found at the Sections of a Thesis Manuscript page.
Website: https://benjaminlstewart.org
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
39:26
December 24, 2020

Thesis Seminar: Accessing a Notion Template
In this episode, I discuss how to access a Notion template for an upcoming Thesis Seminar course that begins January 25, 2021. This template will be used to scheduled one-to-one tutoring sessions and to submit entries to a writing journal.
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
14:55
December 22, 2020

In the Classroom (Notion.so) Website
In this episode, I provide a brief overview of my (Notion.so) website, which is located at https://benjaminlstewart.org
Attribution: Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
04:38
December 20, 2020

#OpenFlip Summer 2020: Flipped Learning
Microsoft Teams
Listening and Speaking I
Attribution
Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
13:18
September 22, 2020

What makes a true friend? (lesson)
Microsoft Teams
Listening and Speaking I
Attribution
Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
02:39
September 21, 2020

Top 40ish List (lesson)
Microsoft Teams
Listening and Speaking I
Attribution
Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
04:10
September 19, 2020

Professional Educator (#openflip)
Key Points
Openness: The use of technologies that foster open and transparent learning (as a teacher/teacher trainer)
Backchannel: The value of the backchannel and the general idea of multitasking in the classroom (the value-added experience).
Workload vs. Planning: The time commitment required to flipped learning. “Twice as much…” Time management. “Students feel overwhelmed…”
Flexibility: Having a relationship with learners and how to address problems with technologies
Attribution
#OpenFlip Discussion, Week Four
Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)
15:29
September 19, 2020

A Content Taxonomy (#openflip)
Question: Can we say that most online and semi-distance courses use a flipped learning methodology? since students work the content on their own. What makes them flipped or not flipped?#flippedClassroom #openflip (source)
This question inspired today's broadcast, specifically in terms of how students, "... work the content on their own".
#openflip
Check out OpenFlip Summer 2020 (cMOOC).
essential questionHow does flipped learning emerge in a distance learning environment?
Microsoft Teams for 100% Distance Learning
A1-A2 English language learners
Propaedeutic year of a four-year degree program in English language teaching
Content taxonomy
Conclusion: The goal of any live (synchronous) class (be it online or in-person) is to leverage a content taxonomy in a way that adds the most value in achieving desired results (i.e., learning outcomes). An instructor should help learners move from being dependent to being independent, and finally to being interdependent in terms of using content to demonstrate what they know (i.e., through the six facets of understanding), what they can do (skills), and who they are in terms of a subscribed value system.
Attribution
Intro/Outro music: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound): https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/track/hip-jazz
18:32
September 17, 2020

Mobile Apps Designed for a Listening & Speaking Course
In this episode, I share three main technologies for an upcoming Listening & Speaking course designed for English language learners at an A1-A2 English proficiency level: Microsoft Teams, Flipgrid, and Trello.
32:34
August 17, 2020

Content Curation as Instructors (education)
In this episode, I discuss content curation as an instructor. #edchat
18:29
January 04, 2020

In the Classroom Educational Technologies
In this episode, I’ll provide an overview of a few technologies I plan to use next semester.
12:39
December 27, 2019

Assumptions About Issuing Zero Grades
In this episode, I discuss a few assumptions that instructors might consider as it relates to how zero grades are issued.
15:04
December 22, 2019

Task-Based Language Learning and ICTs
In this episode, I discuss the basics of task-based language learning (TBLL) - using Office 365 - and share a grammar class I plan to teach next semester.
26:28
December 21, 2019

Radio Interview (in Spanish): Streaming Video in Higher Education
This is an interview (in Spanish) conducted at the radio station at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes - El Gis, recorded September 25, 2019, from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM.
22:14
October 10, 2019

Speech Acts and The English Language Learning Writer
In this episode I discuss two recent writing assignments from this week (at Notion.so) and address illocutionary force in terms of the impact the written word can have on the intended audience.
22:34
September 21, 2019

In the Classroom: Notion and the Multi-Genre Writing Class
ShowNotes
In the Classroom (Notion.so)
Write, plan, collaborate and get organized with @NotionHQ. Sign up with this link and get $10 in credit: https://www.notion.so/?r=f6a748a954fd470f8ad4ff47806250a3
24:11
August 18, 2019

Create a Grammar Book Performance Task
Socials - Grammar I
Contact me
Grammar MeWe Group
Class page
Show Notes
Performance Tasks
Learning Targets
Understand grammar in context: morphological, syntactical, and lexical.
Understand lexical categories: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, determines, conjunctions, and interjections.
Understand word classes: open and closed.
Understand phrases: noun, prepositional, verb, auxiliary, and compound.
Note to Learners
You will form partnerships (in pairs) to design a single class open grammar book that summarizes content convered throughout the course. The open grammar book, which is designed to provide a grammar reference for all subsequent courses taken in the BA, will be created in Pressbooks (pressbooks.com) and will include text, images, and links to learner-created videos. Each pair will present a grammar topic seen in class by developing two paragraphs (five-to-eight sentences for each paragraph), and each pair will prepare a 15-minute video that shows both paragraphs along with their analysis and explanation of the three aspects from grammar in context (i.e., meaning in context, forms and meanings, hypothetical meaning, collocations, and lexical chunks) and at least one example of each of the following functions: noun phrases, prepositional phrases, verb phrases, and compound phrases.
04:13
June 09, 2019

Thesis Seminar: Developing Your Results and Discussion Section (Part 2)
Socials
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnleez
Leave comments via Podbean app.
Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Show Notes
In this episode I provide tips when developing a Results and Discussion section.
26:06
June 01, 2019

Thesis Seminar: Developing Your Results and Discussion Section (Part 1)
Socials
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnleez
Leave comments via Podbean app.
Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Show Notes
In this episode I provide tips when developing a Results and Discussion section.
19:00
May 31, 2019

Teaching Networking
Socials
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnleez
Leave comments via Podbean app.
Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Show Notes
In this episode I discuss teacher networking.
19:25
May 30, 2019

Thesis Seminar: Random Feedback
Socials
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnleez
Leave comments via Podbean app.
Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Show Notes
In this episode I provide some random suggestions to learners who are finishing up their thesis paper and are preparing for their oral defense set in a couple of weeks.
20:13
May 29, 2019

Thesis Seminar: Method Section
Socials
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bnleez
Leave comments via Podbean app.
Leave comments via Transparent Teachings
Add In the Classroom to your favorite podcatcher: RSS Feed
Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Radio UAA: Ser Lumen
Show Notes
In this episode I share a recent discussion I had with my Thesis Seminar group as they transition from developing a literature review to collecting data for their own research.
41:31
March 06, 2019

The Dos and Don'ts to Academic Writing
In no particular order...
Avoid Passive voice with non-referential “it”: it has been found, etc.
Avoid overusing the passive voice - active voice is preferred.
Avoid overusing pronouns
Avoid overusing capitalization (e.g., to emphasize or when abbreviations are used, etc.)
Avoid overusing There is/are - In most cases, avoiding it will produce a better sentence - subject first, then a verb. There is/are in a topic sentence. Also, avoid the verb to be in a topic sentence.
Avoid repeating same verbs: to be and to have are oftentimes overused.
Avoid overusing the semicolon.
Avoid comma splice, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences.
Include a transition (see below) that begins a topic sentence (body paragraph).
Avoid bold text except for headings; avoid bold text to emphasize words.
Avoid words and phrases like obviously…, clearly…, without a doubt, etc.
Avoid absolutes: always, never, everyone, etc.
Avoid phrases like, "It is important...", "it is necessary...", etc. Avoid "important" altogether.
Avoid rhetorical questions
Use the serial (Oxford) comma
Use dynamic (action) verbs
Be consistent with keywords or specific words that have certain meanings in education: activity, materials, techniques, methods, approaches, strategies, etc.
Offer a combination of sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
Create a cohesive text which includes a transition, using any combination of the following: Rheme and theme to connect (bridge) ideas from one sentence to the next. Sentence connectors Introductory phrases Subordinating conjunction that begins a sentence (followed by a comma)
Follow the MEAL plan for developing each body paragraph
Citations serve as evidence. Evidence precedes analysis sentence(s). Main idea (topic sentence) begins each body paragraph. Final sentence serves as either a linking sentence or a summarizing sentence. Linking sentence links current main idea of the paragraph to the next main idea (topic sentence) of the following paragraph.
Italicize foreign (non-English) words and when naming a term (e.g., “The word foreign is hard to spell.).
When abbreviating, write out the term the first time it's being used, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Thereafter, simply abbreviate.
Approximately five to eight sentences per paragraph.
33:02
February 21, 2019

Thesis Seminar: Week Four Recap.
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Show Notes
The Thesis Seminar (open courseware) website is still very much in progress at the time of this recording, so expect many changes over the course of the next few months. If you wish to know more, contact me via Twitter (@bnleez).
31:21
February 19, 2019

Applied Linguistics Research Interview (Podcast in English and in Spanish)
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Mendeley Public Research Group: Applied Linguistics
Radio UAA: Ser Lumen
15:53
January 10, 2019

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Creativity in the Classroom
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Show Notes
In this episode, we discuss Ken Robinson and the notion of creativity in the classroom.
01:06:01
December 14, 2018

PROPE Projects: Instructions for Preparing Writing I Task
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Show Notes
Context
This group is a first-semester writing I class for pre-service English language teachers who are Spanish-speaking English language learners at an approximate A2 level of English proficiency. The excerpt found in this episode was from taken from week 14 of a 16-week course. Each week learners address one essential question that usually relates to some content-based objective. This week's essential question was more reflective in nature, and was designed to introduce a capstone project that provided an opportunity for learners to demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in each of the different subjects from the current semester: listening and speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and learning strategies.
The term PROPE refers to courses that make up a propaedeutic year of courses designed to help learners gain a B1 level required to begin a four-year bachelor's degree program in English language teaching.
All lessons from each week are posted to Google Classroom which loosely serves as a content management system where learners can freely access course content both during and outside of class.
Lesson
Essential Question: How do I express what I have learned so far this semester in PROPE?
Instructions: This week we work in our PROPE project teams - event scheduled for November 23, 2018 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Overview: Form into your PROPE project groups and determine who will write each paragraph:1) describe your country by including at least three key question words: who, why, how, when, where, etc., 2) describe how you worked together this week to create all non-writing I outcomes for your PROPE project, 3) explain any team challenges that you overcame this semester in any of your PROPE classes, and 4) present two to four key successes that you achieved as a team this semester.
Details: Each of the four points listed above should be developed as one unified, coherent, and cohesive paragraph with five to eight sentences. A combination of the three different transitions discussed in class also should be included: sentence connectors, introductory phrases, and subordinating clauses. Each team member is responsible for one paragraph - if more than four members make up a team, then an additional topic should be developed as determined by team consensus and prior approval with your instructor. Each team member is responsible for developing and analyzing their respective paragraph.
Analyzing a paragraph: Analyzing a paragraph should include the following:
All team members should follow the same system for analyzing their respective paragraphs: color-coding, annotations, footnotes, etc.
Indicate different sentence types: simple, complex, compound, and complex-compound.
Indicate different clauses types: main clauses, subordinating clauses, and relative clauses.
Indicate different phrase types: noun, verb, prepositional, and participial.
Indicate all parts of speech.
When analyzing your paragraph, do not analyze every word. Only analyze one-three examples of each of the grammatical structures listed in the above section, Analyzing a paragraph. In other words, you need a paragraph that exemplifies at least one of the grammatical structures above in order to identify it.
Team communication: This week requires good communication between each team member. A successful week will include a team who maintains good communication in determining who is to do what. At times this week you may work together as a team while other times you might need to work in pairs or individually - decide which works best for you individually and as a team. Regardless how you work, make sure you communicate with your team members throughout this week so that everyone is on the same page throughout the entire process.
Team Leaders: Team leaders have bee
35:17
November 22, 2018

Students who Resist
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Show Notes
Problem: Learners resist giving presentations and many other aspects of school-related activities, tasks, and performances.
Teens Are Protesting In-Class Presentations
According to a recent survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, oral communication is one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace, with over 90 percent of hiring managers saying it’s important.
a tweet posted by a 15-year-old high-school student declaring “Stop forcing students to present in front of the class and give them a choice not to” garnered more than 130,000 retweets and nearly half a million likes. A similar sentiment tweeted in January also racked up thousands of likes and retweets. And teachers are listening.
“Nobody should be forced to do something that makes them uncomfortable,” says Ula, a 14-year-old in eighth grade, who, like all students quoted, asked to be referred to only by her first name. “Even though speaking in front of class is supposed to build your confidence and it’s part of your schoolwork, I think if a student is really unsettled and anxious because of it you should probably make it something less stressful. School isn’t something a student should fear.”
It feels like presentations are often more graded on delivery when some people can’t help not being able to deliver it well, even if the content is the best presentation ever,” says Bennett, a 15-year-old in Massachusetts who strongly agrees with the idea that teachers should offer alternative options for students.
Students are resisting in-class presentations… by Annabelle Timsit
According to the American Psychological Association, “When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities or situations. Although this avoidance might help reduce feelings of fear in the short term, over the long term it can make the fear become even worse.”
In her piece, Lorenz quotes a 14-year-old student named Ula, who says that “Nobody should be forced to do something that makes them uncomfortable.” But the best available science tells us that, if they want to be successful in life, maybe they should.
Participatory Call to Action: How do you encourage learners who resist participating in your class?
11:43
November 12, 2018

My Workflow
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Show Notes
Problem: Working in isolation - teacher burnout...
Personal learning network: How do you engage in your own personal learning network?
Define PLN: collection of social, material, and ideational connections or nodes designed for a specific (professional) purpose that has both historical (over time) and specific value.
Twitter (@bnleez)
Bidirectional/unidirectional communication
Feedly/Buffer/Pocket
Facebook Groups: In the Classroom |
Workflow
Ferrite for audio
Lumafusion for video
Google Docs: Show notes
iPad Pro 10.5/Android smartphone
Participatory Call to Action: As an instructional leader, how you work against isolation?
12:17
November 10, 2018

Portfolio Assessment and Self-Regulation
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Show Notes
Problem: backwash effect: how assessment can influence instruction
Readings in Methodology: A collection of articles on the teaching of English as a foreign language (2006) (pp. .
What is portfolio writing assessement
Self-regulation through portfolio assessment in writing classrooms
Relationship between PA and the four phases of self-regulation (Figure 1, p. 5).
Phase I: instruction and scaffolding
Phase II: self-assessment, peer assessment, teacher feedback (first draft)
Phase III: Teacher feedback (second-final draft) - cycles back to phase I
Phase IV: error log and reflection; publish to eportfolio (decision-making process)
4. Participatory Call to Action: How do you incorporate portfolio assessment in your current teaching practice?
24:27
November 02, 2018

Storytelling Assignment for a Writing I Class
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Show Notes
In this episode, I provide an excerpt of a class that is designed to assist English language learners - at an A2 level - to complete a story (one paragraph long) that is inspired by an image (painting or a picture) of a cabin in nature.
Content Objectives
Build vocabulary related to nature: objects, animals, emotions, five senses, etc.
Gain awareness of paragraph unity (staying on topic), coherence (organizational patterns), and cohesion (transitions)
Gain awareness of sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
Gain awareness of parts of speech, types of phrases, and types of clauses
Gain awareness of comma usage: serial comma, compound sentence, complex sentence, sentence connectors, introductory phrases (five words or more), and appositives
Language (Linguistic) Objectives
Rheme and theme
Transitions
Comma usage
Descriptive texts using adjectives and prepositional phrases
Simple, compound, and complex sentences
Pedagogical Notes
21:23
October 27, 2018

Teachers Finding a Work Flow
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Show Notes
Problem: Lean Teaching… how efficient, effective, and engaging is our teaching practice?
Workflow...
Keep in mind the following three things when considering one’s workflow: learner to learner engagement, instructor to learner engagement, and learner to outside expert engagement.
Google Classroom
Google Docs
Google Gradebook
Google Photos
Eportfolio
Sources: Lean Manufacturing - Wikipedia; Lean Thinking (Womack & Jones, 1996)
15:50
October 24, 2018

Instructional-Learning Episodes That Promote a Dynamic Classroom Experience
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Show Notes
Instructional-learning episodes: knowledge-skill; metacognition-cognition; far (new context)-near (similar context) transfer; reproductive (less complex)-productive (more complex)
Class
Essential question: How does a song communicate with you? (far-near transfer)
Brainstorm individually: emotions, people, events, etc. as a list. (knowledge - writing to understand)
Convert brainstorming list to Mindmap and take a picture (Cognition, learning strategy, knowledge)
Convert Mindmap to first and subsequent drafts
Work/Upload information to Google docs
Feedback - few students uploaded their paragraphs until the very end
Sources: Elshout-Mohr, Hout-Wolters, & Broekkamp, 1999; Volman & Ten Dam, 2011
16:43
October 21, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): How does a teacher hinder or facilitate the learning process?
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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Show Notes
How can a teacher decide whether to break down the input into step-by-step activities or start by challenging students by asking them to perform a task where input proficiency is required? (Bottom up, top down, task based, structural content based)
Task-based supplementation: Achieving high school textbook goals through form focused interaction: Conclusions: “Results” have historically been defined and measured by “objective” language tests - standardized tests. However, focusing strictly on form (not meaning, use, discourse, culture, etc.) ignores the fact that we have no true way of knowing exactly what a learner does specifically that leads to language acquisition. Also, a learners’ internal grammar goes up and down… down in the case when internalizing new content.
Conclusions: Task-based learning extremely effective when attending the personal, affective, and social development of the learner.
Instructional-learning episodes: reproductive (less complex)-productive (more complex), knowledge-skill, metacognition-cognition, far (new context)-near (similar context) transfer
01:12:08
October 14, 2018

Why In the Classroom?
Post your comments, questions, and suggestions to...
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Twitter (@bnleez)
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Add In the Classroom to your favorite podcatcher.
In the Classroom: Why In the Classroom?
In many ways, episode #25 is the “first” in the informal reflective discussions I have planned for this channel related to curriculum, assessment, instruction, and educational technologies. My intention of this channel is to provide the means for me to share with the public my interests and perspectives around what I read (theory, research, internet, etc.) and my own teaching practice. My hope is that others will voice additional perspectives on similar topics by addressing through line questions related to each episode.
02:29
October 13, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Task-Based Learning
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss instructional-learning episodes (task-based learning) by way of example.
01:03:21
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Different Models of Teacher Reflection
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss different models of teacher reflection.
59:40
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Teachers as Reflective Practitioners
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss teachers as reflective practitioners.
01:13:47
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Flow in the Classroom
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss establishing flow in the classroom.
57:27
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Google Classroom
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss Google Classroom and WhatsApp in the classroom.
01:12:10
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Starting the New School Year
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss starting the new school year.
01:17:11
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Academic Reading Circles
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we interview author/teacher Tyson Seburn about his book, Academic Reading Circles.
01:06:51
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): WhatsApp in the Classroom
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss WhatsApp in the classroom.
01:22:04
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Trello in the Classroom
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss Trello in the Classroom.
01:07:15
October 09, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): UPTC 2018 & The MUSIC Model
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we interview faculty from the Universidad Panamericana (Aguascalientes) and their recent UPTC 2018 and research they conducted on the MUSIC Model.
01:07:26
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Output-Driven Hypothesis
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this eposide we discuss the output-driven hypothesis.
01:03:52
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Competency-Based Education & Experiential Learning
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss competency-based education and experiential learning.
01:18:34
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Cartoon Aidwork
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we interview Adriana Macias and Cartoon Aidwork, a recent material design conference held at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes.
52:37
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #11: Pre-Service Teacher Experiences
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we interview pre-service English teachers and their recent experiences taking a practicum class.
01:06:27
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC): Performance Tasks
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we go deeper into performance tasks
01:02:31
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #9: Performance Tasks
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this eposide we discuss performance tasks and connecting with learners.
01:02:21
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #8: SIOP Model
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss the SIOP Model and teacher talk time.
01:08:31
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #7: Critical Thinking
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss critical thinking and teacher talk time.
01:05:07
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #6: Deeper Learning
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss how learners achieve deeper learning and meeting learning objectives.
01:03:35
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #5: Flipped Classroom
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we interview Ken Bauer where he shares his insights on various aspects of the flipped classroom.
01:04:44
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #4: Wisdom and Time Management in the Classroom
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss wisdom and time management in the classroom.
01:02:50
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #3: Personal Learning Networks
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this episode we discuss personal learning networks (PLN) and Peer Learning Communities.
01:28:46
October 08, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #2: Take Teaching Seriously, But Not Personally
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Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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In this of TLC, we discuss how not to take teaching personally, but do take it seriously.
01:04:39
September 30, 2018

Teacher Learning Cast (TLC) #1: Getting Started...
TLC Socials
Piry Herrera
Benjamin L. Stewart
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Teacher Learning Cast is a weekly show dedicated to all things education. This was our first episode, recorded February 17, 2018.
59:38
September 30, 2018