#47 - 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Grammar-Heavy to Proficiency Instruction

#47 - 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Grammar-Heavy to Proficiency Instruction

From Practical Proficiency Podcast by Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning

March 5, 2026 · 42 min · Season 3 · Episode 47

About this episode

This episode discusses the challenges of transitioning from grammar-heavy teaching methods to proficiency-based instruction and offers practical strategies to ease the process.

Send us Fan Mail This episode breaks down why transitioning from legacy methods to proficiency feels so hard, then maps practical, low-prep moves that make it sustainable and joyful. I name the common traps—misaligned assessments, training gaps, immersion shock—and share tools to protect your energy while students grow. • reframing the class as a skill, not a subject • what novice mid can really do and how to aim there • why systems feel outdated and how to navigate them • colleague buy‑in a...

People in this episode

Host: Devon Gunning

Topics covered

  • proficiency instruction
  • grammar-heavy methods
  • teaching strategies
  • student assessment
  • classroom management

Keywords

  • proficiency
  • grammar
  • teaching methods
  • assessment
  • immersion
  • classroom strategies
  • energy management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: La Libre Language Learning

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