In this episode of the Language Lab Podcast, I’m joined by Jérôme Noguès – a teacher, AI advocate, and all-round creative force in the MFL world. We talk about what actually gets students engaged, from using tools like Suno to write original French songs, to building lessons around student voice, gamification, and the EPI approach. There’s also a healthy dose of honesty about phones in classrooms, AI ethics, and why mini whiteboards are still undefeated.

If you’re looking for ways to make your language classroom more dynamic, tech-savvy, and just plain fun (without losing the grammar), this one’s for you.

You can also check out Jérôme’s own podcast, The AI Language Lab, for bite-sized insights on how technology is reshaping MFL:
The AI Language Lab on Spotify

Find more from us at: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk

Support the podcast and access bonus content over on Patreon:
The Language Lab on Patreon

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.

The Language Lab Website

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/