Episode 3: Evidence-Based EAL Strategies with Dr Robert Sharples | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators committed to supporting multilingual learners through evidence-informed practice.
In Episode 3, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School. As a founding editor of the EAL Journal and Convenor of the EAL Research Network, Dr Sharples is a leading voice in English as an Additional Language (EAL) education and research.
In this insightful conversation, Helen and Robert explore how schools can use evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for multilingual learners. They discuss the role of Ofsted in EAL provision, the importance of developing language across the curriculum, and practical strategies that teachers can use to support language acquisition in every classroom.
The episode also examines how schools can close the vocabulary gap, what effective EAL leadership looks like, and how educators can create inclusive learning environments where multilingual learners are recognised, supported, and able to thrive.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- The five evidence-based principles for developing language across the curriculum.
- Practical strategies to support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners.
- How schools can help close the vocabulary gap.
- What Ofsted looks for when considering language development and inclusion.
- Advice for current and aspiring EAL Leads.
- Evidence-informed approaches to language acquisition that benefit all learners.
Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, or education professional, this episode is packed with practical advice, research-informed guidance, and strategies that can be implemented across primary and secondary settings.
Connect with Dr Robert Sharples
If you'd like to get in touch with Dr Robert Sharples, you can contact him at:
[email protected]
Explore more Twinkl EAL resources
Join Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse all Twinkl EAL resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Access FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Every episode brings together leading experts in multilingual education to share practical strategies, the latest research, and inspiring conversations that help educators support multilingual learners with confidence.
