Transform Your Class with Authentic Projects with Diego Ojeda

World Language Classroom

#220

Have you ever felt the pressure to “teach to the test” in your AP language class, only to wonder if it’s actually helping students communicate more confidently? In today’s episode, I speak with Diego Ojeda, a Spanish Teacher in Louisville, KY about how he has transformed his AP course through authentic projects that do more than prepare students for the exam, they prepare them for the real world. Diego shares how to design tasks rooted in authentic input, student voice, and cultural relevance so that learners not only perform well on the AP exam, but also connect deeply with the language.

Topics in this Episode:

• shifting the focus away from drill and test prep while still preparing students for success on the AP exam
• authentic input and real-world tasks as the foundation for meaningful assessment
• how incorporating student voice into projects changes the way students engage with the AP themes
• designing projects that align with the AP themes while still keeping the activities creative and relevant
• advice for practical project ideas that teachers can do right away that help students experience the target language in a more authentic, engaging way
• Klett World Languages Sessions at ACTFL

Connect with Diego Ojeda:

• Instagram: @Sr_Ojeda

A Few Ways We Can Work Together:

• Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
• On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
• Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

• Website: wlclassrom.com
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
• Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
• X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.