The Language Lab Podcast

The Language Lab Podcast

by Will Marks

Season 1

Episode 2. Gianfranco Conti EPI and MARS EARS

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/

Episode 1. John Marks, Joe Dale Technology in the MFL Classroom

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).Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLanguageLabPodcastVisit: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/jump-jive

Season 1 Trailer

Coming soon… Welcome to Language Lab — the podcast where language teachers get real. We’re diving into the classroom, the staffroom, and the big debates — from AI and target language struggles to what’s actually working in UK language education. You’ll hear from voices that matter — like Joe Dale, Gianfranco Conti, Kate Languages, and more. Fresh ideas, honest chats, and a little mischief along the way. Language Lab — hitting your feed soon. Subscribe now and let’s keep the conversation going.

ALL Language World Special: Collaboration at the Heart of Languages Education

This week’s episode is something a little different. Recorded live at ALL Language World 2026, we’re bringing you voices, reflections and moments from across the weekend — from teachers, trainees, researchers and leaders in language education. You’ll hear what stood out, what people are taking back into their classrooms, and what makes Language World such a unique space for collaboration. We’ve also got exclusive recordings from the conference itself, including: The official openingReflections from attendees across the event And the keynote from Ian Gilbert, exploring motivation, learning, and what sits at the heart of education As always, it’s a reminder of the energy, generosity and thinking that runs through the languages community. 🔗 Links & More:Find transcripts and more at:👉 www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk 💬 Get involved:Send in a voice note and be part of the conversation. ☕ Support the show:Spotify subscription (£2.99/month), Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee:https://www.patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast Next week: Patty McGee on literacy journeys. If you want it even leaner (Spotify character cap safe), I can compress it further. Thank you so much to Ian Gilbert of Independent thinking, for his contributions. Please visit his website https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/ Thank you so much for the support of the ALL for making this episode happen! Become members below: https://www.all-languages.org.uk/

Isla MacEachern Authentic Materials and the Fight for German

German has been declining in UK schools for years — but in many classrooms the fightback is already underway. In this episode, Will speaks to Isla MacEachern, a German teacher with nearly two decades of experience, contributor to BBC Bitesize, and recipient of the German Embassy Teacher of German Award. Together they explore what it really takes to keep languages thriving in schools. They discuss: • why authentic materials matter in language teaching• how culture can bring language learning to life• the realities of German in UK schools today• how teachers can boost engagement at Key Stage 3• and why mistakes are essential to language learning Isla also shares insights from her work writing new BBC Bitesize GCSE German resources, and reflects on how teachers can keep languages relevant, accessible and exciting for pupils. It’s a conversation about culture, curiosity and the quiet work teachers do every day to keep languages alive. Next week: a special episode from Language World, including exclusive audio from the President’s Panel.

S5 E7 Dr Kedi Simpson: Part 2 Inside the Listener’s Mind

In Part 2 of my conversation with Kedi Simpson, we move from theory to classroom reality. We dig into segmentation — what it actually means, why students struggle to “hear” words in the stream of speech, and how listening tasks can either build processing… or just create the illusion of it. We talk about cognitive load, noticing, task design, and why ticking the box isn’t the same as understanding. If Part 1 challenged how we think about listening, this episode pushes us to rethink how we teach it. This is also the Season Finale of The Language Lab Podcast. We’re taking a short break and will return on 5th March for Season 6, with exciting news around Language World and some brilliant guests lined up. During the break, you can submit your own voice note via the website and become part of the conversation next season. 🎙 Links, transcripts, all past episodes and voice note submissions:www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk ☕ Support the show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast If this episode made you rethink listening, leave a review and share it with a colleague — it really helps us grow the community. Season 6 starts 5th March.

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