The Happy Language Teacher

Peter Schoenaerts
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Language Learning

This is a podcast for people who help others learn a new language. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to the profession, join us as we explore how to make your classroom a place where both you and your learners can flourish. Let’s teach with passion and ... be happy!

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    4: Why There’s No One Right Way to Teach a Language

    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 intelligences Listen 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/newsletter More information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/ #LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #EclecticApproach #TeachingTips #TeacherTraining

  2. Oct 7

    3: Teaching a Second Language vs a Foreign Language

    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/newsletter More information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/ #LanguageTeaching #LanguageTeacher #WorldLanguage #ForeignLanguage #TeacherDevelopment

  3. Sep 28

    2: How to Get Your Learners Talking

    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 level Perfect 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/newsletter More information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/ #LanguageTeaching #speakingskills #TeachingTips #LanguageLearning #Education

  4. Sep 23

    1: Why You Should Always Speak the Target Language

    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/newsletter More information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/ #LanguageTeaching #Immersion #TeachingTips #LanguageLearning #Education

  5. Sep 19

    Introduction: Welcome to The Happy Language Teacher

    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/newsletter More information: https://www.thehappylanguageteacher.com/

  • 1 Trailer
    4 Episodes

Trailer

About

This is a podcast for people who help others learn a new language. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to the profession, join us as we explore how to make your classroom a place where both you and your learners can flourish. Let’s teach with passion and ... be happy!

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Schoenaerts
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peter Schoenaerts