Best Dr Liam Printer Podcasts (2025)

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129 | Back to School: Six principles for a motivated classroom 22:47

21h ago22:47

22:47

The first in a Seven-part 'Back to School' series where I break down my Keynote speech from the Agen Conference 2025 on: Getting the Acquisition-Motivation balance right. In episode 129 I provide an overview of the six principles for a motivated language classroom this year: Aligning a CI approach to your curriculum The Acquisition-Motivation balan…

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128 ¦ Part Two: What I learned from watching six weeks of CI classes in three different countries with Jonathan McBride 44:32

2M ago44:32

44:32

Almost a year after our first conversation for episode 127, Jonathan is back in the studio for Part Two of his 2-part series focusing on what he learned from six weeks of observing teachers in three countries using a CI and acquisition approach. In this episode, Jonny hones in how he translated all the things he learned about CI into his classroom …

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127 ¦ Part One - What I learned from watching six weeks of CI classes in three different countries with Jonathan McBride 34:59

3M ago34:59

34:59

In this episode I am joined by the wonderful, Jonathan McBride, for Part one of a two-part special series. Jonny and I met at The Agen Workshop in 2023. He teaches German and French in a state school in Scotland and he secured funding to go and spend six weeks watching three different CI teachers in three different countries in 2024: Me (Liam Print…

1
126 ¦ Turn and Talk: Tweaking a classic activity for maximum engagement 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Episode 126 is all about Turn and Talk: A classic activity we all do in our classrooms to encourage student discussion, participation and idea generation... but, it can sometimes fall flat, or kids end up speaking about something else entirely or we don't get that engagement we are looking for. In this episode I take youe through a few tiny tweaks …

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125 ¦ Supporting language teachers' sustained motivation until retirement with Prof. Åsta Haukås 37:30

6M ago37:30

37:30

I had the pleasure of being joined on this episode by esteemed Åsta Haukås, a professor of language education at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her research focuses on improving students' ability to learn multiple languages and supporting language teachers' motivation and professional development. It was great to learn from Prof. Haukås about la…

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124 ¦ Using a CI approach to boost motivation, acquisition and inclusion with Tina Abour and Grant Boulanger 1:11:11

9M ago1:11:11

1:11:11

In this special, extended, episode I am joined by the wonderful Tina Abour and Grant Boulanger to discuss how a CI approach can boost motivation, acquisition and inclusion in our classrooms. Tina and Grant provide us with their perspective on teaching with a CI approach in the US and Europe whilst also sharing lots of excellent practical strategies…

1
123 ¦ Behaviour and the CI classroom: 9 practical tips 27:15

10M ago27:15

27:15

This episode on behaviour comes with a big caveat. I realise completely that behaviour and classroom management looks very different in each of our different contexts. This episode centres around the educational psychology of behaviour, motivation and social norms. I am fortunate to work in a fantastic school with great students and in this episode…

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122 ¦ Connection, community and communication with Claudia Elliott 1:00:38

11M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

In this special podcast collaboration episode, Claudia Elliott and I discuss the importance of community and connections for communication in the language acquisition classroom. Claudia hosts the excellent ⁠Growing with Proficiency⁠ podcast and she had some wonderful insights to share including lots of easy-to-implement stategies to boost engagemen…

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121 ¦ Nine low-prep strategies for a motivated school year 28:50

12M ago28:50

28:50

It is August, so that must mean The Motivated Classroom is back with it's start of the school year special. In this episode I give my Top Nine low-prep ideas and strategies for a motivated year. It could easily have been 29 and not nine, but these are the absolute essentials in order to allow both motivation and acquisition to flourish in your lang…

1
120 ¦ Instructional Coaching: Practice-focused professional development 35:25

1y ago35:25

35:25

Much of professional development is useful, thought-provoking, interesting and even impactful.. but does it actually result in any changes in our practice or indeed on student's learning? Research suggests that most of it, sadly, does not. In this episode we explore an alternative type of practice-focused professional development called Instruction…

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119 ¦ Oral exams: Can we make them more motivating and less burdensome? 34:00

1y ago34:00

34:00

After many questions about what the dreaded oral exams look like in my classroom and in my context, I've decided to do an entire episode on just that topic! Most of us work in systems where they are a mandatory part of student assessment. So how can we make them more motivating and less scary whilst also ensuring they take the least amount of learn…

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118 ¦ Joy, happiness and brain breaks in the classroom with Annabelle Williamson aka La Maestra Loca 39:45

1y ago39:45

39:45

Leading on from recent episodes on raising positive emotions in the languages classroom, I am delighted to be joined by the inspirational educator, La Maestra Loca, in this episode. Annabelle talks to us about how to use a CI approach in order to build a sense of belonging, joy and happiness in the languages classroom. She also provides us with som…

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117 ¦ Raising positive emotions through co-created stories: A research study - Part 2 38:11

1y ago38:11

38:11

Part Two of the series focusing on my recent research on how using co-created stories in the language acquisition class can foster happiness, joy and other positive emotions in the classroom. In this second part of the study, we look in detail at the methodology and findings. Please let me know what you think! Keep in touch and share widely! Full p…

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116 ¦ Raising positive emotions through co-created stories: A research study - Part 1 27:06

1+ y ago27:06

27:06

This first in a mini-series on the importance of positive emotions in the language acquisition classroom. This episode introduces my recent research study on how using co-created stories in the class can help to foster happiness, joy and interest in the language classroom. Next week's episode looks more at the methodology and findings of the study.…

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115 ¦ Seven ways to use questions to maximise acquisition and build connections 29:08

1+ y ago29:08

29:08

This episode focuses on classroom practice and, in particular, how we can use questions in order to both build connections and to maximise language acquisition. I take you through my favourite strategies in the classroom and those from the research about how to employ questions in the language classroom for maximum gain. Please let me know what you…

1
114 ¦ Universal grammar: Our language learning superpower? 29:56

1+ y ago29:56

29:56

This third and final episode in the mini-series on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research and theory. This one looks at Chomsky's concept of Universal Grammar; the idea that we all possess an innate mechanism that allows us to decipher and encode language with ease. In this episode I try to look at both sides of the research on this and also at…

1
113 ¦ SLA research into practice: Is there a critical age period for language learning? 31:47

1+ y ago31:47

31:47

This second in a special mini-series on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) explores the Critical Period Hypothesis and language learning. Is there a critical age period for natural, easy, and effortless language acquisition or can anyone achieve success regardless of age? We take a look at various research studies and what the evidence has to say ab…

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112 ¦ SLA research into practice: Is using CI enough in high-stakes exam classes? 26:15

1+ y ago26:15

26:15

This first episode in a special mini-series on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) focuses on what approach we should use with students who are preparing for a high-stakes test such as entry to university. Is CI enough on its own? We take a look at various aspects and theories of SLA research including the output hypothesis, the interaction hypothesi…

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111 ¦ Q&A: Online teaching, AI and stories in class 27:05

1+ y ago27:05

27:05

A special Q&A episode this week with some brilliant questions from the patrons of the podcast. We explore how to keep the motivation high when teaching online, making use of AI tools in the language acquisition class, how long a co-created story should take and how to get started with a free voluntary reading programme and library in class. Please …

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110 ¦ Story Listening: Lessons from classroom practice with Cécile Lainé 56:49

1+ y ago56:49

56:49

For the third in the 3-part series on "Story Listening", I am joined by the wonderful and inspirational Cécile Lainé. After Episode 108 with Dr. Beniko Mason and Alice Ayel, followed by a look at the research in Ep. 109, Cécile now provides the much needed perspective on Story Listening through the eyes of a classroom practitioner. Cécile shares he…

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109 ¦ Storytelling as pedagogy 22:30

2y ago22:30

22:30

Following on from the previous episode on Story Listening with Dr. Beniko Mason and Alice Ayel, and as a preview to Episode 110 with Cécile Lainé on applying Story Listening in the classrom, this episode looks at the research around using storytelling and stories as a core pedagogical approach in our classes. This episode provides an overview of so…

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108 ¦ The power of Story Listening for acquisition and motivation with Dr. Beniko Mason and Alice Ayel 44:11

2y ago44:11

44:11

This special, extended episode of The #MotivatedClassroom was recorded in 2023 as part of the CIReboot online language teaching conference. Dr. Beniko Mason and Alice Ayel take us through the research and classroom techniques behind the 'Story Listening' approach in the language acquisition classroom. This episode is full of a combination of resear…

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107 ¦ Reading a class novel in 11 zero-prep steps 38:32

2y ago38:32

38:32

After many emails and requests on the topic, this week's #MotivatedClassroom episode looks at the practicalities of how to go about teaching a class novel in the language acquisition classroom. I go through my 11 step process for beginning and ending the reading of a novel as a class. I use these graded novels in almost every unit and they form the…

1
106 ¦ Connections and competence: The third week of the year and beyond 30:18

2y ago30:18

30:18

The third and final part in the three part mini series on how I start the year and work towards a motivated classroom: This episode focuses on how we start the first unit and particularly, how to introduce themes or topics that are potentially a little more serious. I also discuss a variety of comprehensible input techniques and how I try to weave …

1
105 ¦ Relationships, relatedness and routines: The second week of the year 30:32

2y ago30:32

30:32

Part two in the three part mini series on starting the year strong and building a motivated classroom: In this episode we look at what happens in week two of the school year, once we have done the admin tasks in week one and set out some basic routines. Specifically I discuss the first picture talk of the year, the first time we push all the chairs…

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104 ¦ Starting strong: The first week back to school 36:42

2y ago36:42

36:42

How do you start a new school year? What exactly do you do in the first week or so of classes? How do you set up your class and do the boring admin tasks but keep it motivating? How do you build motivation among new students? These are some of the most commonly asked questions from patrons and listeners of the Motivated Classroom podcast so in this…

1
103 ¦ Is Comprehensible Input enough? 30:11

2y ago30:11

30:11

A potentially controversial topic for some listeners but an important one nonetheless: Is Comprehensible Input enough on its own? What about output, grammar and practice? Is there a role in the language acquisition class for these too? In this episode, I discuss my take on this argument and hopefully provide some thought-provoking questions for eve…

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102 ¦ Maintaining motivation right until the end of the year 34:20

2y ago34:20

34:20

One of the most frequently asked questions in the month of May is "have you any tips for keeping up the motivation at the end of the year... I'm struggling!". I hear you loud and clear. This episode focuses on how to maintain motivation, for both the students and you as the teacher, right until the end of the school year. I give an overview of some…

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101 ¦ Respecting and amplifying all languages in our multilingual classrooms with Dr. Eowyn Crisfield 31:52

2+ y ago31:52

31:52

In this episode, we have the pleasure of listening to renowned expert on multilingualism, Dr. Eowyn Crisfield. Dr. Crisfield shares valuable insights from the research on supporting multilingualism and also helps us to dispel some of the myths around bilingual children. This episode is full of vitally important nuggets of important for all educator…

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100 ¦ Self-determination theory, motivation and language learning with Dr. Richard Ryan 34:17

2+ y ago34:17

34:17

In this episode 100, I am delighted and honoured to be joined by esteemed researcher, psychologist and co-founder of Self-Determination Theory, Dr. Richard Ryan. Dr. Ryan's work has been cited over 510,000 times and his work with Edward Deci on intrinsic motivation and Self-Determination Theory has changed the way educators understand raising motiv…

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99 ¦ Raising language learner motivation with Dr. Kimberly Noels 31:39

2+ y ago31:39

31:39

This episode features the influential and renowned language learner motivation researcher, Dr. Kimberly Noels. Dr. Noels is a full professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta, Canada where she focuses on motivation and second language acquisition. Dr. Noels provides us with insightful perspectives on the current research …

1
98 ¦ Three motivation-based case studies from the language classroom 32:13

2+ y ago32:13

32:13

The second episode with a direct focus on the core premise of this podcast: language learner motivation. In this episode I look in detail at three case studies shared by the listeners on demotivation and how we can turn this into intrinsic motivation in the language acquisition classroom over the last two years. Thank you to all the podcast patrons…

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97 ¦ The motivation-engagement-acquisition cycle 32:55

2+ y ago32:55

32:55

In this episode we are going back to the roots and core premise of this podcast: language learner motivation. This episode focuses on what we have learned together about raising intrinsic motivation in the language acquisition classroom over the last two years of this podcast. In particular, we look at the research around building motivation and my…

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96 ¦ Interrupting misogyny and toxic masculinity with Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez 43:34

2+ y ago43:34

43:34

In this episode we are joined by the wonderful and inspiring educator, Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez. Abelardo shares with us his journey and testimony as a cisgender male who is actively trying to interrupt and take apart the toxic masculinity and misogyny we experience in schools. This episode is full of excellent tips, advice and experiences to help …

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95 ¦ Trauma-informed teaching with illiterate students with Janique Vanderstocken 45:06

2+ y ago45:06

45:06

This episode features one of the most impactful & inspiring interviews I've ever done, by far! The inspirational educator, Janique Vanderstocken, tells us about how she goes about doing trauma-informed teaching with her groups of illiterate students. Janique gives us a host of concrete tips, techniques and approaches to help students with very low …

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94 ¦ Advanced students: Keeping the inputs comprehensible through increased autonomy 24:54

2+ y ago24:54

24:54

Teachers frequently ask about how we can continue to use a compelling, comprehensible inputs, approach with advanced learners. The key is to relinquish some of our own power in the classroom and provide increased autonomy to students, allowing them to plan, design and deliver their own classes. This episode explores one such approach with a group o…

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93 ¦ Why grammar instruction is impeding acquisition 34:14

2+ y ago34:14

34:14

Following up on the extended episode 92 on maximising our target language use in class, this episode goes a little deeper and discusses how an over-emphasis on grammar instruction and accuracy is killing natural acquisition. Touching on key issues in our field, the goal of this episode is to open up professional debate about how we continue to emph…

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92 ¦ Maximising your target language use with Alina Filipescu and Jason Fritze 56:26

3y ago56:26

56:26

A special, extended, episode focusing on the why and how of target language use in the language acquisition classroom with the brilliant Alina Filipescu and Jason Fritze. This episode was first aired as a livestream for the #CIReboot conference in summer 2022. Alina and Jason share lots of fantastic practical examples from their primary and seconda…

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91 ¦ Error correction, motivation and examination 25:31

3y ago25:31

25:31

Error correction in the language acquisition classroom is one of those topics that always results in divided opinion. So what can the research tell us about it? In this episode we explore the role of error correction in writing, speaking and most importantly on learner motivation. How much is too much? When should we correct students and when shoul…

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90 ¦ Differentiation in the language acquisition classroom 31:00

3y ago31:00

31:00

The second in a two-part series focusing on equity and access to learning for all. Following up on Episode 89 on 'Universal Design for Learning' (UDL), this episodes looks more at differentiation; what we can and should be doing inside our language acquisition classrooms in order to support all learners and ensure they all have the tools needed to …

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89 ¦ UDL: Access for all through a Universal Design for Learning 31:49

3y ago31:49

31:49

In this first of a two-part series focusing on differentiation, equity and how to ensure all learners have access to the learning, we look at the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its applications in the language acquisition classroom. This episode goes over the 3 main priorities of UDL and their 9 principles, using an example from the world …

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88 ¦ Q&A: New students entering a CI class, adult learners & difficult classes 26:29

3y ago26:29

26:29

This question and answer episode features some great questions from listeners about: What we do when new students come into our CI or acquisition focused classes when they're coming from what may be considered a much more 'traditional' learning environment? How do we adapt our lessons for adult learners and what about those 'difficult' classes, wha…

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87 ¦ Back to school: Eight strategies for a motivated year 18:35

3y ago18:35

18:35

This episode of The Motivated Classroom podcast focuses on going back to school. I go through eight of my top strategies or goals to ensure both we, the teachers, and our students have a motivated year. Most importantly, there is a particular focus in these strategies on teacher and student well-being. Let me know what you think of them and what yo…

1
86 ¦ Eight zero-prep classroom activities to instil a love of reading 29:02

3y ago29:02

29:02

This episode focuses on eight of my favourite activities designed to instil a love of reading among your language acquisition students, including a particular emphasis on the much requested "reading diary". Reading is the central and key element in language acquisition, yet many teachers are unsure about strategies to use in order to motivate our s…

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85 ¦ Motivating beginners through easy-to-read novels with Margarita Pérez García 35:14

3y ago35:14

35:14

The wonderfully talent teacher, presenter and author of easy-to-read literature, Margarita Pérez García, joins us in the episode of The Motivated Classroom to talk us through how she uses novels in her classroom to motivate and engage beginner language students. As we know from decades of research, reading is a crucial and central element to langua…

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84 ¦ Comprehensible Input (CI) teaching with intermediate & advanced learners 32:15

3y ago32:15

32:15

As a follow-up to the interview with Dr. Stephen Krashen, in this episode we look at a very common question among language teachers: Can we use a Comprehensible Input approach or with 'Acquisition Driven Instruction (ADI)' when it comes to intermediate or more advanced learners? This episode takes a slightly different angle as I demonstrate what CI…

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83 ¦ Language acquisition through compelling, comprehensible input with Dr. Stephen Krashen 46:18

3y ago46:18

46:18

Professor Emeritus Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most important and influential language acquisition researchers in history. His research over 40 years has completely revolutionised our understanding of how languages are acquired. Dr. Krashen has been cited in over 23,000 peer reviewed research journals and has authored more than 560 publicatio…

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82 ¦ Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI) Q&A: Inclusion, parents and missing class 30:17

3y ago30:17

30:17

The third episode in the mini-series on "Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI)" is a Q&A episode with some great questions from you wonderful listeners on CI being more inclusive than grammar teaching, what we talk to parents about when we teach with CI and what do we do when students miss lots of inputs through absence. As always, please keep in…

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81 ¦ Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI): Is it more inclusive but less authentic? 28:17

3y ago28:17

28:17

In this second episode in the mini-series on "Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI)", we discuss the big debates around CI teaching: Whether it is inherently more inclusive but often perceived as less authentic? What do we even mean by 'authentic' and 'inclusive' in the language classroom in the first place? Join me to find out my take on all thi…

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80 ¦ Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI): Overcoming the obstacles 31:24

3y ago31:24

31:24

The first in a five-part series on "Teaching with Comprehensible Input (CI)", focuses on the obstacles and resistance many of us face in our journey to become more acquisition centred educators. I discuss six of the obstacles I've had in my practice and those I've seen and heard about from other language teachers. As always, please keep in touch an…

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