The Language Lab Podcast

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Are we overstating the language learning crisis? Join Will Marks and Dr. Elsa Petit, Senior Lecturer in French Language Studies at Queen Mary University of London, for a deep dive into the state of modern language education. Dr. Petit brings 30 years of experience to a conversation about moving beyond the 'decline' narrative. We explore the role of critical AI literacy in the classroom, how to shift assessment focus from final outputs to learning processes, and why we need to stop gendering subjects like languages. We also discuss how to turn AI into a supportive, 24/7 'digital brain buddy' for students and why fun, interactive teaching methods shouldn't stop at primary school. This is a practical, candid look at how we can make language learning more inclusive, visible, and genuinely useful for the next generation of students. Visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk for more resources.

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The Language Lab Podcast is back for Season 8.
After a slightly longer pause than planned, Will is joined by the wonderful Juliette Claro to open the new season with a conversation about creativity, culture, exams, music, teacher autonomy and the joy of language learning.
Juliette is a lecturer in education at St Mary’s University, lead link tutor for secondary PGCE MFL and IQTS, a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, a co-founder of the Creativity and MFL SIG, an experienced teacher, mentor and Ofsted inspector.
In this episode, Will and Juliette explore why creativity can feel squeezed out of modern language classrooms, how accountability and exam pressures shape what teachers feel able to do, and why language learning needs space for messiness, mistakes, problem-solving and genuine communication.
They discuss the limitations of GCSE, the possibilities of the DELF and the Common European Framework, the dangers of over-standardised lessons, and the importance of trusting teachers to adapt learning to the pupils in front of them.
There is also plenty on music, AI, Suno, sentence builders, project-based learning, noisy classrooms, mini whiteboards, and why languages should feel alive.
Season 8 will be released fortnightly.
Keep learning, keep questioning, and above all, keep the conversation going.

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No full episode this week, because it is exam week and Will is currently somewhere underneath a landslide of marking, feedback sheets, revision lists and possibly a missing microphone.
In this short check-in, Will talks about the reality of exam marking, the strange things pupils write when they are trying to process language phonetically, and why looking after yourself during assessment season is not optional. There is also a thank you to recent guests, previous pupils, prospective guests and everyone who has reached out to the show.
Plus, a reminder about the upgraded Patreon, where paid subscribers will be able to submit questions for upcoming guests, and an open call for anyone interested in gaining voluntary experience with the podcast through audio editing, social media, guest support or content planning.
Normal service will resume once the microphone has been located.
For links, transcripts and more, visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
Support the show:
patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast

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What if better language teaching is not about adding more, but stripping things back?
In this episode of The Language Lab Podcast, Will Marks is joined by Marie Massé, French and Spanish teacher, consultant, instructional coach and professional overthinker in the best possible sense.
Together, they explore what “minimalism” in MFL teaching really means: not bare lessons, not dull lessons, but more intentional teaching. Marie talks about cumulative curriculum design, why pupils can end up feeling like permanent beginners, the limits of textbook-led planning, teacher agency, GCSE grading, workload, data, and why we need to stop confusing busy classrooms with genuine progress.
There is also a powerful discussion about aspiration, class, being underestimated, and why teachers should not be the people who decide which pupils are “fit” to study languages.
A thoughtful, practical and honest conversation about teaching with less clutter and more purpose.
For links, transcripts and resources, visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk.
Support the show:
patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast

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What happens when language learning stops being a worksheet and starts becoming real life?
In this episode of The Language Lab Podcast, I’m joined by Jane Handley, founder of JLH Languages, to talk about immersive language teaching, restaurant-based learning, and why students often speak more French in one restaurant visit than they do in weeks of classroom lessons.
We explore how food, role play, sensory experiences and genuine purpose can transform reluctant learners into confident communicators. From berets and breakfast sessions to GCSE speaking anxiety, Brexit, confidence-building and the wider purpose of language education, this is a conversation about why MFL matters far beyond the exam hall.
We also get into teacher identity, why language teachers are often selling far more than vocabulary, and why relationships remain the most powerful tool in any classroom.
Sometimes all it takes is one successful order of chips in French to change everything.
Find Jane here: JLH Languages
Website: jlhlanguages.org
For transcripts, CPD tools and more:
www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
Support the show:
patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast