Darren Paffey Acronyms, Ai and Arguing for Languages
In this episode, I’m joined by Darren Paffey Mp - newly elected MP for Southampton Itchen and one of the very few members of Parliament with a serious background in language education. Before his move into politics, Darren was an Associate Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at the University of Southampton, a city councillor, and a longstanding advocate for inclusive, multilingual education.We discuss:The current state of language learning in UK schoolsWhat real policy change could look likeHow accountability systems shape (or strangle) curriculumThe potential of AI in the classroomWhat Darren misses about academia—and what he’s learning on the green benchesThis is a conversation about education, policy, identity, and why languages are far more than just a school subject. Darren brings both lived experience and political insight to the table - and doesn’t shy away from tough questions.🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🎶 Theme: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks via Uppbeat – copyright-free music for creators.💬 Keep the conversation going at languagelabpodcast.co.uk or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
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54:46
Steve Smith, EPI and Why Grammar Drill Isn’t the Answer
Steve Smith — MFL veteran, author, blogger, and founder of FrenchTeacher.net — joins Will Marks for a full-throttle deep dive into how we teach languages, why we might be getting some of it wrong, and how to do it better.From his early fascination with Stephen Krashen and language acquisition theory to co-authoring Breaking the Sound Barrier with Gianfranco Conti, Steve walks us through decades of research and reflection on what works — and what doesn’t — in the classroom.Topics include: Input vs. grammar: What actually drives language acquisition?Sentence builders, repetition, and building linguistic self-efficacyWhy GCSE reform still misses the markVocab tests and the illusion of masteryAI as a teacher’s assistant, not enemy of creativityHe also shares how AI is saving him hours writing resources — and what teachers can do to keep their lessons engaging without burning out.📚 Steve’s blog: frenchteachernet.blogspot.co.uk📖 Breaking the Sound Barrier🎒 Resources: frenchteacher.net🎵 Theme: “Jump and Jive” by All Good Folks via Uppbeat🔗 Support us: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast💡 Our Website: languagelabpodcast.co.uk
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Claire Cuminatto Higher Education, Employability, AI and French With Flair
In this episode, Will catches up with Claire Cuminatto, Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia—and, memorably, one of his own former lecturers.They explore how university language degrees are evolving to meet a new generation of learners:Applied language learning and real-world skillsEmployability and the value of language graduatesStudy abroad after Brexit (goodbye Erasmus, hello Turing)The role of AI in language educationCreating safe spaces to fail, improv games, podcast assessments, and morePlus: a trip down memory lane to Sacré Théâtre, UEA’s long-running French-language theatre company. Find out more at sacretheatre.co.uk🔗 Explore more at languagelabpodcast.co.uk💡 Support the show on Patreon or subscribe on Spotify for £2.99/month.🎵 Theme music: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks via Uppbeat — copyright-free music for creators.
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Rebecca Mitchell, National Linguistics Day and Other Radical Ideas
This week, Will sits down with Dr. Rebecca Mitchell — Cambridge lecturer, sociolinguist, and founder of National Linguistics Day — for a conversation that ranges from Saussure to slang, AI to accent bias, and endangered languages to elderly karaoke. (Yes, really.)We explore how linguistics can transform classrooms, challenge stereotypes, and make education genuinely inclusive. Rebecca shares how a late-night idea became a grassroots movement, why she’s on a mission to get heritage languages into schools, and how you can get involved — without needing a PhD or a government grant.Topics include:Why linguistics matters (and why it’s still overlooked)How AI is changing how we thinkAccent bias, language policy, and decolonising the curriculumSimple ways to celebrate National Linguistics Day in your school🔗 Resources and contact info: linguisticshq.co.uk🌐 More from us: languagelabpodcast.co.uk—💡 Support the podcast on Spotify for £2.99/month or join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and warm fuzzy feelings. All support helps keep the show indie, ad-free, and slightly less reliant on caffeine.
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Crista Hazell, Engagment, Student Voice and Safe Spaces
To kick off Season 2, Will is joined by consultant, author and languages powerhouse Crista Hazell to talk all things MFL — from building student confidence to what SLT need to understand about the classroom.They explore teacher wellbeing, trust, and why real connection always beats rigid checklists.📘 Independent Thinking on MFL: https://www.independentthinkingpress.com/books/teachingskills/independent-thinking-on-mfl/Use code ITL20 at check out for 20% off and free P&P🔗 More: languagelabpodcast.co.uk💬 Bonus episodes + early access: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
A podcast exploring the art of language teaching within the UK education system. Host Will Marks dives into the challenges of the modern MFL classroom, behaviour management, and student engagement. Each week features interviews with teachers, parents, and experts, offering practical insights and fresh ideas to inspire the next generation of linguists.
UK