RASCALS' Roundtable

Brett Fischer
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The podcast where CEGEP ESL teachers come together for news, stories, and a little inspiration! La réalisation de ce balado a été rendue possible grâce au soutien financier du ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur par le biais de l’entente Canada-Québec (ECQ) relative à l’enseignement dans la langue de la minorité et des langues secondes

  1. 12/31/2025

    Looking Back, Moving Forward: Three Legends, One Last Lesson

    In this season‑finale episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett Fischer and Danielle Viens sit down with three influential voices in Québec’s ESL community to reflect on what makes a teaching career sustainable and meaningful.Christine Baida, President of SPEAQ, looks back on the challenging early years of teaching and reminds us that grit grows through support and community. Recently retired CEGEP teacher David Coward reflects on the students, colleagues, and creative projects that gave his career purpose. Finally, DanBoulerice brings it home by reminding us that ESL isn’t just about language—it’s about citizenship, culture, and helping students become better humans.This episode is a love letter to collaboration, mentorship, and finding your people in education.

    33 min

  2. 12/31/2025

    B2 or Not B2? That Is the (CEFR) Question

    In this episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett and Danielle speak with Christophe Chénier, professor of language assessment at the Université de Montréal, about Quebec’s decision to align the new ESL and FSL devis with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).We explore what CEFR actually is, how teachers can use descriptors meaningfully, the difference between subjectivity and “whimsical individuality” in judgment, and why fairness must consider context—from Montreal to Lac-Saint-Jean. Christophe also explains why aligning placement testing with CEFR will be essential for successful implementation.🔗 Christophe’s bio and publications

    33 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Together for Success: The Tool That Launched a Thousand Plans Cadres

    In this episode, Brett and Danielle speak with Laurent Duval about Together for Success, an online resource designed to help teachers implement the new devis. Laurent explains the Understand, Apply, and Adapt sections and how teachers can use them. Listeners also learn about upcoming pilot testing and a Devis Q&A webinar. To sign up for the Devis Q&A Webinar: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/10974d14-4769-4f8b-96fd-8160dd1c6f4e@c0eecc4d-675b-4b90-81a0-a5cd46c51b04

    23 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    SPEAQing of Inspiration: Highlights from the Conference

    In this episode, Brett and Danielle bring you highlights from SPEAQ, Québec’s largest ESL conference. Dr. John Spencer explores the power of voice, choice, and student empowerment in the classroom. Dr. Philippa Parks reflects on teacher resilience and shares practical strategies for supporting early-career educators. Finally, Dr. Tanja Vaillancourt introduces SPEAQ Magazine, a vibrant hub for ideas, creativity, and community in the ESL world.For a deeper dive: John Spencer’s YouTube channelwith his presentation on Voice and Choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7S9kyk-odA&list=PLzDOGMsmDvetuGqZoFtyEv9s1_6WxMda9&t=67sFor a free issue of SPEAQ: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cY6oXUE7yfg-l9wGm8Iv01JOvIAaimN_/view

    20 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    Open-Source 100: Choice, Voice, and No Textbook Invoice

    In this episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett and Danielle talk with Marie Martineau, Christi Milsom, and Sarah Adair about the province’s first open-source English 100course - built by teachers for teachers.From bridging the gap between high school and CEGEP to making reinvestment activities fun, the team shows how collaboration and digital literacy can transform the classroom. With free, ready-to-use materials, adaptableactivities, and evaluation grids aligned with the new devis, this project offers a sneak peek at what English 100 could look like in 2027.🎓 Teachers can join the Winter 2026 pilot or follow project updates by contacting mj.martineau@cegepmontpetit.ca

    26 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    Less Is More: The Essentialist Teacher’s Guide to Peace of Mind

    In this episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett and Danielle sit down with Jérôme Loisel (Cégep de Lévis) to explore EssentialistTeaching - the idea that doing less can help both teachersand students experience more meaning, focus, and calm in theclassroom. Jérôme shares practical stories about cutting unnecessary evaluations, building intrinsic motivation, and redesigning tutoring through simplicity, clarity, and engagement. 📘 Resources mentioned:• Greg McKeown’s Essentialism (summary): https://makeheadway.com/library/books/essentialism-summary• Just One (game, Repos Production): https://www.rprod.com/en/games/just-one

    30 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Sweat, Reflection, and Self-Direction: Lessons from Phys. Ed. on How to Teach for Autonomy

    In this episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett and Danielle talk with Stéphanie Major (Cégep de Bois-de-Boulogne) about what ESL teachers can learn from Phys. Ed when it comes to teaching autonomy. Stéphanie shares how her students move from awareness to goal-setting, self-monitoring, and independence - - and how teachers can adapt those same strategies for language learning.It’s a crash course in motivation, reflection, and sustainable learning - minus the push-ups!

    19 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Short Trip, Long Impact: Rethinking Study Abroad

    In this episode of RASCALS’ Roundtable, Brett and Danielle talkwith Vanessa Pacitti (Collège Ahuntsic) about a study-abroadmodel that bridges language, science, and physical education.Once based in Hawaii and now heading to Belize, the trip blends academic rigor with cultural immersion, giving students the best of both worlds. Months of preparation lead to real-world interactions abroad and reflective writing afterward, helping students transform experience into lasting learning. The result? Authentic communication, personal growth, and a powerful sense of community. Tune in to discover how short study-abroad trips can create long-term impact—and for practical tools on planning your own, visit the CCDMD’s Facilitating Study Abroad site: https://abroad.ccdmd.qc.ca/about/

    21 min
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About

The podcast where CEGEP ESL teachers come together for news, stories, and a little inspiration! La réalisation de ce balado a été rendue possible grâce au soutien financier du ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur par le biais de l’entente Canada-Québec (ECQ) relative à l’enseignement dans la langue de la minorité et des langues secondes

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Fischer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brett Fischer
  • Show Website
    RASCALS' Roundtable