In this episode of The Language Lab, I engage with Kate Clifton, founder of Kate Languages, as she shares her transition from traditional classroom teaching to becoming a resource creator and trainer for Modern Foreign Language (MFL) educators. We explore her journey through burnout in the high-stakes education system and the importance of mental well-being for teachers. Kate reflects on the current challenges facing MFL teachers in the UK, including the pressures of grading and societal attitudes towards language learning. She also discusses the integration of AI tools in the classroom and how they can enhance lesson planning. Throughout our conversation, Kate emphasizes the significance of community and support among educators, offering practical advice to help them advocate for language teaching and nurture a love for languages in their students.

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https://www.katelanguages.co.uk/

The KateLanguages Podcast

In this episode of The Language Lab, I discuss Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI) with Dr. Gianfranco Conti, a prominent figure in language education. We examine how EPI, using the Mars Ears framework, enhances language learning by establishing a structured approach that prepares students with essential vocabulary and grammar before engaging in communicative tasks. Dr. Conti highlights the method's effectiveness in mixed-ability classrooms, focusing on systematic recycling and practice to build linguistic capacity. Our conversation covers practical implementation strategies for educators, the importance of contextualizing instruction, and fostering engagement through meaningful activities. We conclude by underscoring the need for collaboration among teachers and ongoing professional development to inspire a passion for language and communication among students.

www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk

https://uk.language-gym.com/

https://gianfrancoconti.com/

Welcome to the very first episode of The Language Lab – the podcast for language teachers who love their job (most of the time) and wouldn’t mind a few fresh ideas to make things easier, smarter, and, let’s be honest, a bit more fun.

We’re kicking off the series with one of education’s biggest debates: Is technology helping or hindering language learning?

First up, Will Marks chats with John Marks, a primary school governor (and also Will’s dad!), for a no-nonsense take on smartphones, safeguarding, and meaningful tech use in schools. Then, we dive into a dynamic, idea-packed conversation with Joe Dale, a leading voice in MFL EdTech, about the real potential – and pitfalls – of AI in the classroom.

From Padlet and AI tutors to workload hacks, CLIL, digital ethics, and saving time with feedback tools, this episode is a treasure trove for both tech-curious teachers and digital skeptics alike.

🔍 Topics include:

• Smartphones: ban them or manage them?

• AI in MFL: game-changer or gimmick?

• How to prompt AI for great resources

• Joe’s top tools for language teaching

• The future of teacher creativity in an AI-driven world

Whether you’re planning lessons, dodging cover, or hiding in the department office with a biscuit and a thousand-yard stare – this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share with your department (and that one colleague who’s still not convinced about using EdTech).
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Visit: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk

Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/jump-jive