The Language Lab Podcast
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a variety of themes including challenges in modern MFL classrooms, behaviour management, and student engagement. Episode topics, such as the role of technology in language learning and practical EdTech tools, provide teachers with fresh ideas to enhance their teaching techniques.
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.
Esmeralda Salgado is one of the most influential voices in UK language teaching — and not just because she’s been writing game-changing blog posts since the days of OHPs and cassette tapes. Head of MFL, lead practitioner, curriculum designer, and the generous mind behind MFL Craft, she’s been quietly reshaping how teachers across the country plan, teach, and inspire.
In this Season 2 finale of The Language Lab Podcast, Will sits down with Esme to talk about:
– 25 years of classroom experience (and what’s changed for the better)
– How simplifying your curriculum can actually increase GCSE uptake
– What lexicogrammar really means (and why the misconceptions miss the mark)
– AI tools like Mizu and how to scaffold speaking without burning out
– Her favourite digital tools (including the mighty Wheel of Names)
– Making languages accessible for all learners — not just the top set
– Why some kids need a sentence builder, and some just need a Haribo
– The new GCSE, what’s different (and what’s not), and how she’s responding
– The power of scaffolding, celebration, and students seeing real success
– Plus how to sell your subject to parents, SLT, and yes — even Ofsted.
This episode is full of practical advice, gentle provocations, and plenty of joy — the kind that reminds us why this job is still worth doing.
🎧 Listen, follow, and share now. And don’t forget — Season 3 launches Thursday 11th September with a special double bill.
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📚 Find Esmeralda’s blog and resources: https://mflcraft.blogspot.com
🌐 Show notes and transcripts: https://www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
💛 Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
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🎵 Theme music: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks, via Uppbeat (uppbeat.io)
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🧪 The Language Lab Podcast is hosted by Will Marks — language teacher, curriculum nerd, and host of mildly chaotic educational conversations with the people shaping modern MFL.
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New to the pod? Start with:
– Joe Dale on AI and tech in the MFL classroom
– Gianfranco Conti on EPI, cognitive load, and teacher sanity
– Claire Cuminatto on employability, theatre, and the modern language degree
Disclaimer
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