The Multiliterate Mind

Avant MORE Learning, Liza Trejo, Marnina Falk Colman
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Language Learning
  • Updated Biweekly

The Multiliterate Mind will explore how multilingualism, multiliteracy, and proficiency intersect in a rapidly changing, AI-infused world. Through conversations with educators, researchers, and leaders across languages and continents, the podcast will reimagine what it means to teach, learn, and communicate in the 21st century. At the heart of the podcast lies Proficiency First Multiliteracies (PFM) — the theoretical framework guiding its vision. PFM looks at multilingualism and multiliteracy through a proficiency lens, positioning language ability as the foundation of meaning-making across languages, cultures, and modes. In this view: - Proficiency is not just a metric; it’s the process through which humans construct and share understanding. - Multiliteracies recognize that communication now spans written, oral, visual, and digital forms. - Proficiency First unites these ideas into a single, human-centered framework for learning in an AI-driven world.

  1. Sep 30

    Around the Fire: Rethinking Language Learning in a Digital World with Marni & Liza

    From artificial intelligence and multilingualism to proficiency, cultural literacy, student engagement, and human connection, Liza and Marnina explore how conversations with educators and thought leaders from around the world are changing the way they think about teaching and learning. They discuss why multilingualism should be viewed as an asset rather than a deficit, how students' home languages can support additional language development, and why understanding the proficiency journey matters for educators beyond the world-language classroom. They also explore AI's potential to help teachers differentiate learning without removing the trained human educator from the equation. And then there's culture. What does being “on time” actually mean? Who pays when someone invites you to dinner? Does “maybe” really mean maybe? Those everyday differences reveal why cultural literacy is about far more than food, festivals, and surface-level traditions. Marnina also shares the personal experience of earning three Global Seals and what external validation of her language proficiency means as a non-native speaker. Ultimately, this fireside conversation returns to the idea at the heart of The Multiliterate Mind: Educators are learners too. Every conversation creates another question. Every perspective creates another opportunity to grow. And even as AI reshapes education, the purpose underneath it all remains remarkably human. Communication is the point. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  2. Sep 16

    Finding Your Voice: Language, Identity & Belonging with Maria M. Carreira

    Maria shares her own journey as a heritage speaker of Spanish, from being born in Cuba and moving through Spain before arriving in the United States at age 11, to eventually becoming one of the leading voices in heritage language education. Together, they explore why identity sits at the center of heritage language learning and why educators should focus not only on what learners lack, but on the communication skills, cultural knowledge, pronunciation, listening ability, and lived experiences they already bring into the classroom. The conversation also tackles the realities of mixed classrooms, where heritage speakers and second-language learners may each feel intimidated by the other's strengths. Maria explains how AI tools such as ChatGPT may help level the playing field through individualized conversation practice and language support, while also warning that AI can homogenize writing and potentially strip away one of the most important parts of communication: voice. The episode explores: Heritage language identityNative, heritage, and second-language learnersMixed language classroomsStudent confidence and insecurityAI and language learningPreserving student voiceLanguage ownershipRegister and code-switchingProficiency versus perfectionLong-term language developmentCommunication across culturesOne of Maria's most powerful messages is simple: Your languages belong to you. Learners do not need to imitate an idealized native speaker in order to have the right to communicate. Language becomes truly meaningful when it helps people express who they are, connect with others, and understand their place in the world. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  3. Sep 2

    Proficiency, Productive Struggle & Expanding the Horizon with Dr. Brandee Mau

    Brandee shares nearly 30 years of experience in language education, including work in dual language immersion, German instruction, curriculum development, assessment, professional learning, and proficiency-based teaching. Together, they explore why proficiency can serve as a unifying goal across different language programs and why the intermediate stage of language learning deserves more intentional support. The conversation also dives into: Productive struggle in language learning Why teachers should not do all the work Student curiosity and agency Novice, intermediate, and advanced proficiency Brandee’s Heart, Hoop & Horizon framework The cotton candy metaphor for understanding proficiency AI and the importance of a critical human lens Why mistakes should be celebrated as part of learning How teachers can take small steps toward more student-centered instruction This episode is especially valuable for world language teachers, multilingual learner educators, dual language immersion teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone interested in proficiency-based learning. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  4. Aug 19

    The Lasting Impact of Language Immersion

    Cameron Durr, Destiny Williams, and Kaylin Dalton reflect on how learning Spanish from kindergarten through high school shaped their confidence, academic success, career opportunities, cultural awareness, and global perspective. Together, they discuss: The power of language immersion Why culture matters as much as vocabulary Using Spanish in healthcare and everyday life Studying abroad in Mexico and Japan How Spanish became the foundation for learning Japanese Why AI and Google Translate cannot replace human communication The cognitive benefits of multilingualism Advice for students, parents, and educators This episode offers a powerful reminder that language learning is about far more than speaking another language. It builds empathy, curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and lifelong opportunities. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  5. Aug 5

    Teaching AI With Intention with Allen R. Woodall III

    Allen shares how educators can help students develop prompt-writing skills, critical discernment, and responsible AI use while maintaining ownership of their learning. Topics include: AI literacy in education Critical discernment and evaluating AI responses Ethical AI use in language classrooms Prompt engineering for students Teaching writing with AI Human intelligence vs. machine intelligence AI's role in educational research Preparing students for an AI-driven future Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or language learner, this episode offers practical insights into using AI as a learning partner instead of a replacement for human thinking. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  6. Jul 22

    Putting Students at the Center of AI Literacy with Noemí Rodríguez

    Noemí shares how she uses tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, Diffit, Gemini, and Speakology AI to support multilingual learners, create leveled texts, provide comprehensible input, build vocabulary, generate multimodal learning experiences, and help students engage more deeply with language and culture. The conversation explores how AI can enhance learning without replacing the human experience. Noemí discusses responsible AI use, classroom contracts, student choice, privacy concerns, environmental questions, prompt libraries, portfolio-based assessment, spontaneous speaking, visual literacy, cultural authenticity, and the importance of fact-checking AI-generated content. This episode is a practical and inspiring conversation for language educators, multilingual learner specialists, reading specialists, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone interested in the future of AI, multiliteracy, and student-centered learning. Learn more about Noemí... LinkedIn Lo Logramos Consulting      Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  7. Jul 8

    Building Your Own Path in Language Learning with Lauren Rosen

    With more than 30 years of experience in language education and technology integration, Lauren shares her perspective on how emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, can support language proficiency, multiliteracy, intercultural communication, and student engagement. Lauren reflects on her early experiences living in Spain, her work as an educator and technology innovator, and how tools have evolved from overhead projectors and early web pages to AI-powered opportunities for personalized speaking practice and real-world communication. Together, the group explores: AI in language education Interpersonal communication and speaking practice Multiliteracies and literacy beyond written text Technology integration with pedagogy first Why banning AI is not the answer How educators can become learning partners with students Digital badging and proficiency evidence Why language education supports every discipline The future of global intercultural education This episode is a must-listen for language educators, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone interested in the future of language learning, technology, proficiency, and human connection. Language Teaching with AI Find Lauren on: LinkedIn Facebook   Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

  8. Jun 24

    Marni and Liza's Coffee Break: Trends we are seeing nationally

    Together, they discuss the evolution of proficiency-based teaching, the impact of the pandemic on language education, the role of AI and educational technology, and why communication remains at the heart of language learning. The conversation explores: Proficiency-based language instruction Student-centered learning AI and technology in education Equity and access in schools Assessment and grading practices Social-emotional learning Teacher leadership and professional growth The future of language education Most importantly, Marnina and Liza share why they continue to believe in the power of language education to build connections, foster empathy, and prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube! A PJT Ventures Production

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Multiliterate Mind will explore how multilingualism, multiliteracy, and proficiency intersect in a rapidly changing, AI-infused world. Through conversations with educators, researchers, and leaders across languages and continents, the podcast will reimagine what it means to teach, learn, and communicate in the 21st century. At the heart of the podcast lies Proficiency First Multiliteracies (PFM) — the theoretical framework guiding its vision. PFM looks at multilingualism and multiliteracy through a proficiency lens, positioning language ability as the foundation of meaning-making across languages, cultures, and modes. In this view: - Proficiency is not just a metric; it’s the process through which humans construct and share understanding. - Multiliteracies recognize that communication now spans written, oral, visual, and digital forms. - Proficiency First unites these ideas into a single, human-centered framework for learning in an AI-driven world.

Information

  • Creator
    Avant MORE Learning, Liza Trejo, Marnina Falk Colman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Avant Assessment, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Multiliterate Mind