MM EP 2 - AI, Proficiency, and Student-Driven Language Learning with Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch

Описание: We explore a powerful new approach to language education called facilitated interdependent language learning, or FILL. We welcome Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch, two educators and innovators who are helping redefine what language learning can look like in an AI-supported world. We ground the conversation in a simple but transformative idea: learners want to learn languages, not just take language courses.

Episode Notes

00:00 Welcome + introducing FILL
00:40 Meet Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch
02:10 Ryan’s path to FILL and language access
04:45 Tom’s educator journey and dissatisfaction with traditional courses
07:40 What FILL is and why it matters
08:30 Administrative problems FILL solves (singletons, scheduling)
12:10 Teacher shortages and shrinking language programs
13:10 How FILL works day-to-day
15:30 Weekly goal sheets + can-do statements
20:40 Minecraft example and learner-driven topics
23:30 AI tools and prompting for learning plans
31:10 Asset-based assessment and mistake-making
34:00 Challenges: Duolingo dependence and balance of structure
37:20 Building routines: writing workshops + unplugged Thursdays
41:40 Results: earning graduation credit in one semester
43:40 ASL learner transformation story
46:50 Hope for the future of language learning
49:00 Plurilingual possibilities and structural change
50:30 Closing + neural network invitation


Dr. Ryan Allen is a high school teacher and researcher focused on how artificial intelligence can personalize language learning for adolescents. Through his work with Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL), he empowers students to choose any language they wish to study and earn graduation credit based on demonstrated proficiency rather than seat time.


Tom Welch is a lifelong educator and innovator who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of traditional schooling. A former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and high school principal, Tom is known for his bold, learner-centered leadership. These days, Tom focuses on Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL) and asset-based assessment, helping educators like Ryan personalize learning around student strengths and proficiency. A longtime leader in the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, he champions a shift from schooling to true learning—powered by trust, technology, and learner agency. He also helps facilitate a weekly "Neural Network" Zoom gathering on Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM CT. Feel free to contact him for an invitation at

Tom Welch: [email protected]

Dr. Ryan Allen: [email protected]



Links Mentioned in this episode:

Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.com

STAMP Language Proficiency Test – https://www.avantassessment.com/stamp

Dr Allen's Blog Post https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/...

AI prompt templates for teachers and learners:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b...

Ideas and prompts for writing, listening, and speaking practice:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/...

Overview of how we leverage various AI tools and platforms:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/...

Natural Readers (text-to-speech) – https://www.naturalreaders.com

NotebookLM (Google AI learning tool) – https://notebooklm.google

Duolingo – https://www.duolingo.com

Perplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.ai

National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL) – https://www.ncssfl.org



https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/...




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