"If you only have this theory, you will never be able to swim. You need some water to experience it. Don't be afraid to start with a speaking exam in the first year. If we change the way we assess, we can change the way we teach."

We sit down with the amazing Charline Rouffet.

Charline is a foreign language teacher educator and PhD candidate at Utrecht University, specializing in task-oriented language learning. Her research explores how communicative, classroom-based assessments can transform pedagogical approaches and bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why young teachers struggle to implement communicative methods within a rigid, grammar-obsessed system.

• How the constant threat of testing shapes every move a student makes and every lesson a teacher plans.
• Why adding unknown elements to assessments is the only way to mimic real-life communication.
• Starting with the learning goals to ensure your teaching and testing are actually on the same page.
• How an obsession with accuracy and "memorizing verbs" is killing student motivation and closing down university programs.
• Why joy and personal connection is the only thing AI can't recreate in the language learning process.

*Prefer video? Watch the episode on YouTube.

FOR MORE FROM CHARLINE ROUFFET

1. Connect on LinkedIn

2. Visit her website

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