Languages Pedagogy Podcast

In this eye-opening episode, Anna and I dive into one of the most controversial and emotional topics in language education — nativism, bias, and inequality in ELT. From job ads demanding “young, attractive native speakers” to teachers underpaid or dismissed because of their passport, this conversation strips away the polite silence surrounding discrimination in our industry. Mike shares shocking p...

Questions are the soul of learning—but not all questions are created equal. In this episode, we dive into the art of questioning in the language classroom: how to craft inquiries that provoke thought, build confidence, and spark discovery. From Bloom’s Taxonomy to Socratic dialogue, from emotional tone to cultural nuance—learn how great teachers turn questions into catalysts for growth. Loved this...

What if your students could become each other’s best teachers? In this episode of the Languages Pedagogy Podcast, we explore the art of peer feedback—how to train learners to give, receive, and grow from each other’s insights. From classroom trust to linguistic tools, from reflection strategies to digital collaboration, discover how peer feedback can transform your classroom into a thriving, coope...

Many students understand perfectly—but struggle to speak. In this heartfelt episode, Mike explores the art of fostering speaking confidence in timid learners. From emotional safety and gentle exposure to practical classroom techniques and the psychology of fear, discover how to help even the quietest students find their voice. Loved this episode? Follow The Languages Pedagogy Podcast for more hone...

What happens when writing goes beyond grammar rules and essay rubrics? In this episode, we explore how purposeful writing transforms learners into storytellers, communicators, and thinkers. Discover how teachers can nurture authentic voices, creativity, and self-expression in writing — far beyond tests and templates. Loved this episode? Follow The Languages Pedagogy Podcast for more honest, powerf...

Reading in a second language can feel like climbing a mountain—or like opening a door to a whole new world. In this episode, we dive into practical, research-based strategies that help learners not just survive but thrive as readers. From pre-reading prep to post-reading reflection, from skimming and scanning to digital literacy, discover how to unlock the power of reading in any language. Loved t...

Listening is one of the hardest skills for language learners to master—but also one of the most powerful. In this episode, we explore how to design listening activities that go beyond testing comprehension and instead teach listening. From pre-listening strategies to post-listening discussions, from beginner to advanced learners, discover how to transform audio into a gateway for real communicatio...

What does it really mean to bridge the digital divide in language education? In this episode, we unpack the layers of inequality that affect learners worldwide—from access to devices and internet, to digital literacy, to the quality of online content. Through real-world examples, research insights, and practical solutions, we explore how educators and communities can ensure technology becomes a br...

Language apps promise fluency at your fingertips—but do they really deliver? In this episode, we explore the world of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), breaking down the science, psychology, and pedagogy behind popular apps. Are they game-changers, or just gamified distractions? Tune in to discover how to use apps effectively—and where they fall short. Loved this episode? Follow The Langua...

In this episode, we explore how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X are transforming the way we learn languages. From memes to micro-lessons, influencers to immersion, social media offers a new frontier for education. But is it effective? Can you really become fluent with just reels and hashtags? We break down the pros, the cons, the science, and the strategy behind using social media...

Are chatbots and AI tutors revolutionizing language learning—or are they risking something deeply human in the process? In this episode, we unpack the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in education. From personalized instruction to ethical dilemmas, real case studies to future predictions, this powerful monologue explores how AI is reshaping classrooms, teachers, and students. Wheth...

In a world where language is increasingly digital, how do we prepare learners for the real online environments where communication happens? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore what digital literacy really means, how it reshapes the way we teach and learn languages, and why it’s now a critical skill—right up there with grammar and vocabulary. From AI tools to online discourse etiquette, f...

Gamification in language learning isn’t just about collecting stars or leveling up—it’s about unlocking deeper motivation, designing playful yet purposeful learning experiences, and transforming students into active, joyful participants in their language journey. In this episode, we go far beyond the usual “points and badges” approach to explore how real game design thinking can supercharge your t...

What’s really happening in the bilingual brain? In this insightful and research-rich episode, we explore what science reveals about how speaking more than one language affects cognition, identity, memory, and even aging. From childhood language development to the neurological effects of switching languages, this episode unpacks the fascinating world of bilingualism with clarity, depth, and heart....

What really happens in the brain when we learn a new language? In this deep-dive episode, we explore the fascinating world of neurolinguistics — from memory and neuroplasticity to emotions, motivation, and sleep. You’ll discover how our brains process, store, and retrieve language, and how understanding the science can revolutionize your approach to teaching or learning. Whether you’re a language...

Slang is fun. It’s fresh. It’s real. But it can also be tricky, controversial, and misused. In this powerful episode of The Languages Pedagogy Podcast, we explore how educators can approach slang and informal speech with clarity, sensitivity, and purpose. Discover practical frameworks, cultural insights, and lesson ideas to help learners sound more natural—without crossing lines. Whether you teach...

Idioms are fun, expressive—and utterly confusing for learners. But they’re also one of the most culturally rich and rewarding aspects of language. In this episode, we unpack the big questions: When should we introduce idioms in the learning process? And how can we teach them in a way that’s effective, engaging, and culturally sensitive? Whether you’re a language teacher, a student trying to “wrap...

In this episode, we explore how one of the oldest teaching tools—storytelling—continues to shape the language classroom of today. From ancient oral traditions to digital storytelling tools, we examine why stories remain central to language learning and how teachers can harness their power across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Whether you’re a veteran educator or a new teacher looking t...

Can pretending to be someone else make you a better speaker in your target language? In this episode, we dive into the world of drama and role-play as powerful tools for language learning. Explore how embodying characters, acting out scenes, and using performance-based strategies can accelerate fluency, reduce anxiety, and make language learning more meaningful and unforgettable. Whether you’re a...

Why do we forget? And could that very act of forgetting be the key to remembering more? In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, we unravel the science behind spaced repetition—the most effective learning strategy you’ve probably heard of, but may not be using to its full potential. From Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve to modern-day apps like Anki and Memrise, we explore how spacing your revie...

Why do some learners seem completely uninterested, disengaged, or even defiant when it comes to language learning? And more importantly—what can we do about it? In this eye-opening, deeply personal, takes us into the heart of one of the most challenging aspects of education: motivating reluctant learners across all age groups—young children, teenagers, and adults. Discover the psychology behind le...

What if the most effective language teaching strategies were also the quietest? In this deeply insightful episode, we explore the subtle yet transformative techniques of recasts and reformulation—those moments when teachers correct without correcting, and guide without disrupting. From the science of noticing, to the emotional intelligence of gentle feedback, to practical classroom strategies and...

Culture isn’t just the background of language—it’s the invisible thread that weaves through every word we speak, every pause we take, and every gesture we make. In this 120-minute deep dive, host Mike Llerena explores how culture profoundly influences the way we learn, teach, and experience language. From classroom dynamics and identity struggles to pragmatics, politeness, and power distance, this...

Is it time to move beyond “English only” classrooms? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the transformative power of translanguaging—a pedagogical approach that embraces students’ full linguistic repertoires in the classroom. From real-life classroom stories and cutting-edge cognitive research to actionable strategies and global voices, this episode dives deep into how translanguaging can resh...

What happens when language learning breaks free from worksheets and grammar drills — and becomes something students actually use to solve real problems, plan real events, and communicate with real purpose? In this episode, we explore the true power of  Task-Based Learning (TBL)  — not just as a method, but as a mindset. Join us as we travel from classrooms in Bogotá to startups in Seoul and virtua...