I was delighted to be invited to review an advanced copy of 'Succeeding as an MFL Teacher' by Silvia Bastow & Jennifer Wozniak-Rush.
Both committed members of The Association for Language Learning, I have always thoroughly appreciated their work and their willingness to share their practice and ideas at various events. It's great to see a book which encapsulates not only their own ideas, but also those of other popular speakers and practitioners.
Approach
From the outset, the authors speak directly to the reader with warmth and clarity. You can almost hear them presenting at a conference - grounded, encouraging, and practical. Their aim is clear: to offer research-informed strategies that are immediately usable. As they put it, “The tips and strategies here are not just theoretical; they have been tested and proved by teachers who have been through it all, from inspiring moments to the toughest challenges.”
Written from a UK perspective, the book is especially relevant to teachers working within the constraints of limited exposure to language outside the classroom and a highly accountable framework of inspection and testing. The authors are well known in UK networks such as the Association for Language Learning, and their practical experience shines through.
Structure and Scope
The book is organised into 11 readable chapters. The first eight focus on supporting learners - covering curriculum design, teaching and learning strategies, assessment, and enrichment. The final three turn to the teacher’s development: professional growth, team-building, and departmental leadership. The authors share their own principles and practices, and also draw on those of a rich network of fellow practitioners.
Each chapter follows a consistent and helpful structure:
1. Introduction
2. Key ideas with practical illustrations
3. A bank of additional strategies
4. Reflection questions to consolidate learning
5. Summary
6. A case study from real classroom practice /school experience written by an invited author
7. Further reading
This format makes it easy to dip in and out, while also encouraging deeper reflection.
A QR code at the start of the book links to ready-made resources
Pedagogy in Practice
The chapter on Applying the Science of Learning and SLA in the MFL Classroom distils key principles into actionable strategies. For example:
• Focus on meaningful input: “You could use www.thenounproject.com for images to use with the new vocabulary that you introduce.”
• Focus on meaningful output: A classroom routine encourages students to express how they’re feeling, why, and what they’ll be doing - supporting natural, purposeful interaction. A visual of the supporting slide is shared.
As the authors write, “Imagine reading a tip and thinking, ‘This will work perfectly with my Year 9s tomorrow!’ That is exactly what we’re aiming for.” And they deliver.
The chapter on curriculum sequencing offers a wealth of ideas for integrating skills and content. Activities range from playful read-aloud games (“in the style of a robot, a mouse, a singer, a monster”) to phonics exercises and mini whiteboard writing tasks. Ideas are drawn from a variety of trainers including Martine Pillette, and are both engaging and effective.
In Enhancing Language Learning through Retrieval Practice, the authors provide a toolkit of retention strategies -quizzes, flashcards, and questioning techniques - alongside a thoughtful breakdown of modelling approaches. The section on “live modelling, thinking aloud, worked examples” is especially useful, helping teachers to develop this core teaching skill and a shared metalanguage for classroom practice.
Inclusion
Three chapters are devoted to inclusive teaching, with strategies for SEND learners and higher attainers. The emphasis is on knowing your students, anticipating their responses, and adapting in real time. Tracy Williams’ case study, Adaptive Teaching in Action, captures this beautifully: “Improving learning through intentional monitoring.”
The advice is relevant to all learners. As one section puts it, “It’s important to foster a classroom culture where effort is celebrated and mistakes are viewed as a valuable part of the learning process.” Risk-taking and persistence are encouraged, helping to build confidence and resilience.
Assessment
Assessment is treated realistically. Chapter 7 offers a practical checklist for formative assessment and excellent tips for reducing workload in summative tasks - such as using visualisers and training students to proofread.
Culture
Authentic materials are championed throughout. As one quote reminds us, “A song, a story, a news article – they’ll remember that much more than a worksheet.” Chapter 8, on enrichment, is a highlight. It offers a rich menu of in-class and out-of-school activities—from festivals and recipes to competitions and clubs. The exchanges and trips section gives sound, practical advice to support what can appear a daunting responsibility. Suzi Bewell’s case study, Finding Time for Cultural Enrichment, rounds off the section with warmth and wisdom: “Little and often and going for gold.”
Teacher Development
The final chapters support teachers in any subject, with particularly strong advice for MFL specialists. Joining a subject association is recommended - and warmly endorsed: through ALL, I count many of the contributors as colleagues and friends, even though we’ve never worked together in a school.
The chapter on leading a department includes valuable guidance on advocacy - engaging the wider community, building support from home, and celebrating success.
Final Thoughts
Debates about theory are stimulating, but it’s the practice which is the proof of the pudding. This book is full of tangible success stories. The authors and the people they have invited to contribute have lived the challenges and found solutions. What shines through is a genuine passion for teaching and a desire to pass on the love of languages to all learners.
Reflecting on your own practice is essential to staying effective and sharing what works. This book supports that process superbly - and it doesn’t end with the final page. You’ll be able to stay connected with these practitioners and continue the journey alongside them.
