General

Shared Thoughts on In-Person Conferences

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / November 16, 2024 /

After recently attending and presenting at the FLAM (Foreign Language Association of Missouri) St. Louis Regional Conference, I had a chance to reflect on the experience. It was a great experience, not only motivating and inspiring. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and also get to know new educators. It was also rewarding to…

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If you listen to a Soundscape, …

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / November 1, 2024 /

I wanted to share a quick update on Soundscapes. I’m hoping this makes your teaching life a bit easier. If you haven’t gotten the chance to read the original post about Soundscapes, you need to read it HERE, before continuing. It will explain the setup and give you links to implement a “soundscape.” Side note…

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What does Cybersecurity have to with a World Language Educator?

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / October 5, 2024 /

What does cybersecurity have to do with a world language educator? Let me explain. When I first graduated from college, I started in computers and networking. There was definitely a learning curve, but I enjoyed computers and technology – and I still do! I enjoy computers and the ever changing landscape of technology – especially,…

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Soundscapes for Acquisition

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / September 6, 2024 /

I first came across the idea of “soundscapes” at the Comprehenisble Iowa conference. At the conference, I had the pleasure of seeing Diane Neubauer present on this activity (and other interactive listening strategies.) It was a great presentation and it really resonated with me. (I especially enjoyed that we got to experience a “soundscape” together…

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A Test, Ducks & Conjugation

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / February 27, 2024 /

I wanted to run this by German language educators and learners and get your thoughts. (See below.) As I was looking for a Eselsbrücke (donkey bridge), to help German students with present tense, regular verb conjugation. Despite receiving a healthy amount of input, I notice that (some) of my students need – and ask for…

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Comprehensible Iowa 2023 #CIIA23

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / April 30, 2023 /

I wanted to let you know that Comprehensible Iowa #CIIA23 is fast approaching. It is Friday, June 9th – Saturday, June10th in Gilbert, IA. (Just north of Ames, IA) This conference is excellent opportunity for world language educators. The presenters, which are coming in from 7 different states, are excellent. This will be a great…

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Post Conference Wrap Up Banner with Chairs in the Background

Post Conference Reflection – FLAM Conference 2022

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / October 17, 2022 /

The 2022 FLAM (Foreign Language Association of Missouri) Conference recently ended. After a bit of time to reflect on the conference, I wanted to share some thoughts and resources. First, it was a fantastic conference. From the presenters, keynote speaker, facilities, social events, food and overall “flow” and logistics of it, the conference was great.…

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Foreign Language Association of Missouri

FLAM Conference 2022 – Before the Conference

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / October 3, 2022 /

We are week away from the 2022 FLAM (Foreign Language Association of Missouri) Conference at Washington University in St. Louis. Here is the link to register and check out the conference program: https://www.flamnet.org/general-3 It will be a great opportunity for professional growth and to (re)connect with colleagues, as we are back together face-to-face. Plus, to…

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stuttgrat oral history project

Stuttgart Oral History Project

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / April 2, 2022 /

I thought I would pass this along.  I recently participated in the Stuttgart Oral History Project through the Missouri Humanities organization.  It was a great experience, and I am glad that I was able to share my story. I am connected to both St. Louis in Stuttgart. I grew up (and still reside) in the…

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Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC

A bit about a few educators that I met along the way.

By Eric Richards Instructional Consulting, LLC / November 11, 2021 /

As I wrote in a previous entry, I do not know where I would be today without fellow educators, who shared their insights, talents and personal stories of struggles and successes. So, I thought I would take a moment to share a bit about just a few of those educators that I met along the…

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