The CI Renaissance

Gregory Schwab / Sean Lawler
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

The CI Renaissance is a podcast for language teachers who want to bring joy back to language teaching. Hosted by Greg Schwab and Sean Lawler, the show explores the people, ideas, research, and classroom practices behind the comprehensible input methodology. Through conversations with influential educators, researchers, authors, and teachers, we explore how languages are actually acquired—and what that means for the classroom.

Episodes

  1. Aug 11

    What are the Pros and Cons of Different CI Methods Part 1

    "I didn't know being a language teacher could be so controversial." In this episode, we tackle a classic CI tradition: fighting over methodology. We break down the differences between an "approach" and a "method" (shoutout to Dr. Bill Van Patten) and dive deep into the pros, cons, and personal histories of the tools that shaped our classrooms. In this episode, we discuss: The legendary "CI Fight Club" Facebook group and Ben Slavic's early blogs. Total Physical Response (TPR): Does it get too boring, or is it the ultimate somatic tool? TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling): The transition from gestures to translation, the "entertainer" trap, and our thoughts on the controversial TPRS 2.0 model. Krashen’s Natural Approach & Dr. Bill VanPatten's Sabias Que Edition 1 Textbook: How to turn traditional textbook structures into input-based activities. The Ben Slavic Eras: From TPRS in a Year to the revolutionary non-targeted STAR Approach. Grab your coffee and keep it CI! Enjoyed the episode? Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with your department or on social media!

  2. Jul 28

    An Interview with Ben Slavic: Comprehensible Input (CI) & The STAR, Square, and Triangle Approaches

    In this episode of the CI Renaissance podcast, hosts Greg Schwab and Sean Lawler welcome special guest Ben Slavic, one of the most influential pioneers of the Comprehensible Input (CI) movement. With four decades of classroom experience and a lifetime spent reshaping language education, Ben breaks down the crucial shift from rigid, traditional grammar methods to a heart-centered approach focused on genuine language acquisition. Greg, Sean, and Ben dive deep into: * The real meaning of "rigor" in the classroom (hint: it's sustained focus, not harder worksheets). * The evolution from TPRS to One Word Images (OWIs), the Tableau Vivant, and the STAR approach. * Why language is an unconscious process, and why correcting students does more harm than good. * How a "no-planning" curriculum framework can save teachers from burnout and give them their personal lives back. * The danger of rushing into heavy reading in Level 1 before building a solid auditory foundation. Whether you're a veteran CI teacher struggling with department culture or a newcomer looking for a simpler, more rewarding way to teach, this relaxed conversation will inspire you to take a breath, simplify your instruction, and focus on what truly matters: connection and communication. Connect with Ben Slavic: * Website: https://benslavic.com (Check out his books: The Triangle, The Square, and The Star) * Substack: Search for Ben Slavic on Substack for frequent insights and articles. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the CI Renaissance podcast!

  3. Jul 14

    Why teach with comprehensible input?

    This is our debut episode where we explain what comprehensible input is and why you should teach with it!

  4. Jul 10

    The CI Renaissance Is Coming — July 14, 2026

    The glory days of Comprehensible Input are coming back. The storytelling. The laughter. The community. The evidence that acquisition works. The CI Renaissance Podcast, hosted by Sean Lawler and Greg Schwab, launches July 14, 2026. Mark your calendars now. We’ve got the textbook companies on the run. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the first episode.

  • 4 Episodes

About

The CI Renaissance is a podcast for language teachers who want to bring joy back to language teaching. Hosted by Greg Schwab and Sean Lawler, the show explores the people, ideas, research, and classroom practices behind the comprehensible input methodology. Through conversations with influential educators, researchers, authors, and teachers, we explore how languages are actually acquired—and what that means for the classroom.

Information

  • Creator
    Gregory Schwab / Sean Lawler
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gregory Schwab / Sean Lawler
  • Show Website
    The CI Renaissance