Can’t we finally just let the part of the brain that brings language proficiency do all the work, as originally designed by the Master Architect, and thereby achieve some degree of relaxation in our classrooms? It is possible!
Not only is it possible, but I think that learning how to teach in a way that relaxes us should be our highest priority. If we don’t, then it is not good for us. Why would we do things that are not good for us, that impact our physical and mental health? Why would we do that? For an ugly paycheck and the privilege of working with too many young snots who lack respect?
Moreover, is it not time to consider the deleterious effect that teaching in the old way has brought to our students’ health and well-being? Maybe they’re not snots at all. Maybe they just need to be taught in ways that give them hope in life and in themselves.
Why would we choose to be constricted and nervous in class when we can enjoy our work and in so doing provide a model that is sorely missing in our society as teachers continue to burn out in large numbers?
It is my strong belief that it is a God-given birthright of all of us in this profession to be able to teach in a way that is easy to do and in a way that allows us to “have a life” outside of our jobs, and also in a way that honors our students’ more-than-difficult lives.
There is just no need for us to get our pants all in a bunch about our jobs. This is especially true given the core message of ALL the research. There is no research that supports the use of the textbook and memorization of word lists and the word grammar is not even mentioned in the ACTFL web pages.