Comprehend THIS!

Scott Benedict

Welcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead. Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you. Host Scott Benedict sits down with 1–2 guests — teachers, trainers, authors, CI rebels — to swap stories about what actually works in a comprehension-based classroom. We talk the good, the weird, the messy middle — first wins, facepalms, reading that actually sticks, grammar without drills, surviving department side-eyes, grading for real proficiency (without losing your mind), and everything in between. It’s casual. It’s honest. It’s LIVE — so you get all the “did they just say that?” moments, unfiltered. Pull up your favorite mug. Laugh, nod along, steal an idea or two for Monday, and remember: you’re not the only one doing it different — and doing it better. Watch LIVE: Sunday mornings at 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern, on YouTube at youtube.com/@immediateimmersion — or listen soon after on your favorite podcast app. Comprehend THIS! — Real talk for real teachers. Ditch the drills. Trust the process. Stay human.

  1. Episode 20: “CI Forever? Evolving, Adapting, and Not Getting Stuck”

    5일 전

    Episode 20: “CI Forever? Evolving, Adapting, and Not Getting Stuck”

    Comprehensible Input teaching, CI strategies, and language teacher growth collide in Episode 20: “CI Forever? Evolving, Adapting, and Not Getting Stuck” for teachers wondering what comes after the switch. Take the CI Proficiency Quiz to see where you are on your CI journey: https://imim.us/ciquiz. Once CI routines are solid, it’s easy to slip into autopilot—this episode tackles how to stay curious, evolve your practice, and mentor others without turning CI into a rigid rulebook. Want plug-and-play CI resources that actually work? Check out the CI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput,#languageteachers,#CIteaching,#worldlanguages,#teacherpodcast,#CIclassroom,#proficiencybased,#teachCI,#teacherPD,#languageacquisition Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionKayla Velasquez - https://www.instagram.com/srta_kaylavela Resources & Links: Assessment Academy - https://imim.us/academyCI Survival Kit - https://imim.us/kitNotebookLM - https://notebooklm.google.comGemini - https://gemini.google.comChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 24분
  2. Episode 19: “How Much Is Too Much?” — Pacing in a CI Classroom

    2월 1일

    Episode 19: “How Much Is Too Much?” — Pacing in a CI Classroom

    Teaching with Comprehensible Input and pacing a language classroom feels impossible when CI says go slow, schools say move faster, and your brain just wants answers. Take the CI Proficiency Quiz to see where you are in your CI journey at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, Scott talks with Tamara Galvan about real-world CI pacing, knowing when enough is enough, handling repetition without fear, and surviving pacing pressure without losing your sanity. Need support beyond the podcast? The CI Survival Kit gives you classroom-ready tools that actually work—check it out at https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput, #cipacing, #languageteachers, #worldlanguageteaching, #teacherpodcast, #heritagelearners, #proficiencybasedlearning, #teacherlife, #comprehendthis Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionTamara Galvan Resources & Links: Assessment Academy https://imim.us/academyCI Survival Kit https://imim.us/kit Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 19분
  3. Episode 17: “What If They’re Too Comfortable?” — Managing Chill Without Losing Control

    1월 11일

    Episode 17: “What If They’re Too Comfortable?” — Managing Chill Without Losing Control

    When a CI classroom gets too comfortable, strong community can quietly slide into chaos—and managing chill without losing control is a skill every language teacher needs. Take the CI Proficiency Quiz to see where you land and assess your comprehension-based teaching at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we unpack how to reset expectations, hold boundaries, and lead with warmth and authority—without becoming the fun police or killing classroom morale. Need ready-to-use CI lessons, routines, and systems that support structure and joy? Check out the CI Survival Kit at https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput, #languageteaching, #classroommanagement, #worldlanguageteachers, #teachingspanish, #citeachers, #teacherpodcast, #proficiencybasedteaching, #teacherburnout, #classroomculture Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionKayla Velasquez - https://www.instagram.com/Srta_kaylavelaJackie Deming-Plunk Resources & Links: Assessment Academy: https://imim.us/academyCI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/kit Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 10분
  4. Episode 16: “CI and the Quiet Kid: Are They Even Getting It?”

    1월 4일

    Episode 16: “CI and the Quiet Kid: Are They Even Getting It?”

    Silence in the CI classroom doesn’t mean disengagement, apathy, or failure—it often means processing, and today we’re unpacking what that really looks like. Before you panic, take the CI Proficiency Quiz and see where you land at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we talk about quiet students, trusting input over output, subtle comprehension checks, and why participation doesn’t have to be loud to be real—with plenty of teacher honesty and sarcasm included. Need practical support? The CI Survival Kit has your back with ready-to-use resources at https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput, #languageteaching, #worldlanguageteachers, #CIclassroom, #quietstudents, #teacherpodcast, #languageacquisition, #proficiencybased, #teacherlife, #CIteaching Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionStephanie Carbonneau Resources & Links: Assessment Academy: https://imim.us/academyCI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/kit Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 10분
  5. Episode 15: “Tech That Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of CI”

    2025. 12. 14.

    Episode 15: “Tech That Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of CI”

    If you've ever wondered which tech tools actually support CI and which ones slowly drain your will to teach, this episode breaks down the essential truth about “Tech That Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of CI.” Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, we unpack the wild world of edtech through real teacher stories, rage-quit confessions, and practical examples of tools that genuinely help acquisition without overwhelming your classroom. Grab the CI Survival Kit at https://imim.us/kit to get monthly resources that actually support comprehensible, low-prep teaching. #comprehensibleinput #CItech #languageacquisition #worldlanguagepd #CIteaching #comprehendthispodcast #teachlanguages #CIstrategies #edtechtips #teacherlife Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionNoemi Rodriguez - https://www.instagram.com/@team_lologramosAamina Thornton - https://www.instagram.com/Ohdynamite13 Resources & Links: Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 8분
  6. Episode 14: “Do They Actually Like Class? Student Feedback, Fear, and Facts”

    2025. 12. 07.

    Episode 14: “Do They Actually Like Class? Student Feedback, Fear, and Facts”

    Student feedback, CI teaching, and classroom engagement collide in this brutally honest, funny, and relatable episode for world language teachers featuring Jackie Deming-Plunk and Karla McCann, a French teacher and native Spanish speaker who has cracked the code on language acquisition, high-frequency vocabulary, reading strategies, story-telling, and curriculum design. Take the free CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your CI level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, we unpack the chaos of student feedback — why it swings wildly, what “boring” really means, how to collect honest insight without hosting therapy sessions, and how to adjust your teaching without betraying CI principles. With guests Jackie Deming-Plunk and Karla McCann, we explore how real-world feedback fits into research-backed, story-driven acquisition. Grab the CI Survival Kit for ready-to-use comprehensible-input tools at https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput, #CIteaching, #studentfeedback, #languageacquisition, #worldlanguageteacher, #teacherlife, #teachingspanish, #comprehendTHIS, #classroomengagement, #CIclassroom Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionJackie Deming-PlunkKarla McCann - https://www.instagram.com/madamemccann Resources & Links: Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion

    1시간 14분
  7. Episode 13: “CI Burnout Is Real — Let’s Talk About It”

    2025. 11. 30.

    Episode 13: “CI Burnout Is Real — Let’s Talk About It”

    CI teacher burnout is real, messy, and wildly relatable, especially when you’re trying to stay comprehensible while running on caffeine and sheer force of will. Before you dive in, take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your actual CI level (no judgment, promise) at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, we’re tackling the emotional chaos of CI burnout with a good dose of humor, some painfully honest teacher confessions, and insights from guests Andy Dykema and Meg Fandel Vernon—because nothing says “we’re struggling together” like talking about the week you almost quit teaching to become a professional barista. If you need a little lifeline to keep your CI classes running without sacrificing your sanity, check out the CI Survival Kit with Ask-a-Story Slides in Spanish, French, and German at https://imim.us/kit. #comprehensibleinput, #citeachertips, #worldlanguageteacher, #CIsurvivalkit, #spanishteacherlife, #languageacquisition, #teachingspanish, #CIstrategies, #teacherburnout, #teacherwellbeing Hosts: Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersionAndy Dykema - https://www.instagram.com/@profe.dykemaMeg Fandel Vernon - https://www.instagram.com/MegFandelVernon Resources & Links: Assessment Academy: https://imim.us/academyCI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/kitLa Maestra Loca: https://www.lamaestraloca.com/Somos - Martina Bex - The Comprehensible Classroom: https://comprehensibleclassroom.com/Bryce Hedstrom: https://brycehedstrom.comDahiana Castro: https://thecastrocode.com/Ben Tinsley: https://www.afrofranco.com/Alina Filipescu: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC81HHGsmRavfRI3_CDcylmg Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion TikTok:...

    1시간 16분

소개

Welcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead. Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you. Host Scott Benedict sits down with 1–2 guests — teachers, trainers, authors, CI rebels — to swap stories about what actually works in a comprehension-based classroom. We talk the good, the weird, the messy middle — first wins, facepalms, reading that actually sticks, grammar without drills, surviving department side-eyes, grading for real proficiency (without losing your mind), and everything in between. It’s casual. It’s honest. It’s LIVE — so you get all the “did they just say that?” moments, unfiltered. Pull up your favorite mug. Laugh, nod along, steal an idea or two for Monday, and remember: you’re not the only one doing it different — and doing it better. Watch LIVE: Sunday mornings at 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern, on YouTube at youtube.com/@immediateimmersion — or listen soon after on your favorite podcast app. Comprehend THIS! — Real talk for real teachers. Ditch the drills. Trust the process. Stay human.