3: Teaching a Second Language vs a Foreign Language

Two learners walk into your classroom. Both have a certificate that says “advanced”. Within fifteen minutes, you realise they’re nowhere near the same level. How is that possible?In this episode of The Happy Language Teacher, we look at three of the most widely used scales for describing language ability: the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficieny Guidelines (ACTFL) and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Wherever you teach, you’ll learn what these levels really tell you, and what they don’t.In this episode, you’ll discover:why the CEFR was designed to describe what learners can do, not to grade themwhy language learning is a sliding scale rather than a staircasehow the CEFR, ACTFL and CLB compare with each other, and why “advanced” doesn’t always mean the same thingwhat each framework was built for, and why that matters for your teachingNext episode: how to use the Common Europen Framework of Reference in your own lessons, with practical ideas you can try straight away.Subscribe to the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterSubscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.comMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com#LanguageTeaching #CEFR #ACTFL #LanguageTeacher #TeachingTips

We often talk about motivation as something learners either have or don’t have. But there’s a lot you can do as a teacher to increase motivation. In this episode, I share the ABC of Motivation, a practical framework based on self-determination theory: autonomy, belonging and competence. You’ll get concrete ideas you can use in your very next lesson!And we'll talk about your motivation as a teacher. When should you slow down? Why is it okay to show your vulnerability? And how do you keep learning and stay curious?Subscribe to the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterSubscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.comMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #Motivation #TeachingTips #TeacherTraining

Many beginners are afraid to speak. They'd rather say nothing than make a mistake. In this episode, I share some of my favourite activities to get them talking from the very first lesson: icebreakers like introducing yourself with a gesture, picture bingo, a basic emotional dialogue (my favourite exercise!), and a few ways to use music in class. You’ll hear why confidence comes first, why pair work helps, and why you don’t need to correct every mistake. All these activities work with children, teenagers and adults, and you can use them in your very next lesson!Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #SpeakingSkills #ForeignLanguage #TeacherDevelopment

As language teachers, we often face a mix of learners with different needs and speeds. The solution? Differentiation!This means adapting your lesson to meet each learner’s needs, whether it’s adjusting the pace, providing different levels of support, or tapping into their interests. Effective differentiation involves offering the same lesson with varied support rather than separate lessons for different groups. In this episode, I explain how to do this, and where differentiation stops.Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #Differentiation #ForeignLanguage #TeacherDevelopment

Teaching methods come and go like fashion. Grammar-translation, the audio-lingual method, the communicative approach, task-based learning… each promised to be THE answer. But none of them is, on its own. That's why I'm a big fan of an eclectic approach in the classroom: you consciously combine different methods and techniques, always starting from your learners and their goals.In this episode I talk about:- a few different methods that shaped language teaching- how to make sure you bring enough variety to your lessons- the theory of multiple intelligencesListen to this episode and discover what variety does.Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #EclecticApproach #TeachingTips #TeacherTraining

Are you a second language teacher or a foreign language teacher? That distinction can shape what you teach and how you teach it.If your learners hear the language in daily life, they may need more practice for real-world interactions. If they encounter it mostly in class, culture and context may need to be brought into the learning experience.And what about terms like world language, additional language, and heritage language? It’s not about choosing the “right” label. It’s about understanding your learners’ context, and what they need from you.Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #WorldLanguage #ForeignLanguage #TeacherDevelopment

In this episode of The Happy Language Teacher, we are tackling the age-old question: 'How do I get my learners to talk in the classroom?' If you're a language teacher struggling with learner participation, this episode is your roadmap to fostering a vibrant, communicative learning environment.You'll discover:- Why many learners fear speaking and how to combat this anxiety- The difference between passive and active language knowledge, and why it matters- The ABCD model that guides learners from understanding to free expression- Practical exercises that shift learners from receptive to productive language use- Two powerful methods to spark conversation in your classroom, regardless of student levelPerfect for both novice and experienced teachers, this episode is essential listening if you want to transform your classroom dynamics and empower your learners to speak up.Subscribe and enjoy a new episode every week! (Video on YouTube, audio on all other platforms.)Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #speakingskills #TeachingTips #LanguageLearning #Education

As language educators, we often ask ourselves whether to translate something or to stay in the target language. Switching languages may seem clearer, but it can slow down our learners' progress. In this episode, I explain why the target language should be your default, and when the learners' own language can actually help. Listen and find out what works best in your classroom!This is a podcast for language teachers looking for fresh ideas and practical inspiration.I’m Peter Schoenaerts, a Belgian teacher trainer, language educator and actor. I’ve spent 30 years helping people learn English, Dutch and French, while learning Spanish, German and Norwegian myself.Whether you teach children, teenagers or adults a new language — in a classroom, online or as a volunteer — The Happy Language Teacher is here to help you feel more confident, creative and inspired.Subscribe and enjoy a new episode every week! (Video on YouTube, audio on all other platforms.)Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/#LanguageTeaching #Immersion #TeachingTips #LanguageLearning #Education

This is a podcast for language educators looking for fresh ideas and practical inspiration.I’m Peter Schoenaerts, a Belgian teacher trainer, language educator and actor. I’ve spent 30 years helping people learn English, Dutch and French, while learning Spanish, German and Norwegian myself.Whether you teach children, teenagers or adults a new language — in a classroom, online or as a volunteer — The Happy Language Teacher is here to help you feel more confident, creative and inspired.Subscribe and enjoy a new episode every week! (Video on YouTube, audio on all other platforms.)Subscribe to the podcast: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/Get the newsletter with free inspiration and tips: https://thehappylanguageteacher.riverside.com/newsletterMore information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/