The ESOL Podcast
By The ESOL Podcast
The ESOL PodcastJan 10, 2022
TEP s3 e11 - Landmarks in London
The final episode of series 3 of the ESOL Podcast was made by an ESOL students at Idea Store Learning in Tower Hamlets. ESOL students have been researching landmarks in London in preparation for a class trip at the end of the school year. Moksura talks about Big Ben, Maksim tells us about London Bridge, Tanni speaks about the Millenium Bridge, Lidiia tells us about the narrowest house in London and Johura speaks about the Tower of London.
Series 4 of the ESOL Podcast will start in the new school year 2023-2024. If you are an ESOL teacher or ESOL student in the UK and would like to make an episode, please complete this form - https://forms.gle/jpZe4dRanHmYfqmn7
TEP s3 e10 - Belonging
This episode of The ESOL Podcast ESOL was made by an ESOL group in Liverpool. Introduced by Jingfei, we listen to Alana, Harry and Liza talk about belonging – what it means, why it is important and why it is a term talked about today. The group is a new participatory ESOL conversation group which takes place at the Granby Winter Garden, an award-winning community space established, owned and run voluntarily by local residents who formed the Granby 4 Streets Community Land Trust, in Toxteth Liverpool 8.
TEP s3 e9 - How ESOL helps us achieve our goals
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast ESOL we listen to ESOL students in Bridlington talk about how studying ESOL helps them achieve their goals. Zoriana, Manal, Oksana, Violeta and Daldar recorded this episode with their teacher Pat in an ESOL class run by East Riding of Yorkshire council. They talk about how ESOL has helped their other studies and their day-to-day lives. They also talk about some of the barriers they have overcome by learning English.
TEP s3 e8 - How to use technology to improve English
In this fortnight’s episode ESOL students from Adult Learning in the East Riding of Yorkshire talk about how technology can help them to improve their English. Tatitana, Paulo and Liudmyla talked to their ESOL teacher Brenton Mayman. They share some good ideas for apps and websites you can use when you are learning English.
TEP s3 e7 - Climate Change
For the first ESOL Podcast episode after the Easter break, we revisit the important issue of climate change. ESOL students from a Foundation Course for 16-18 year olds, at Stoke on Trent College talk to their teacher, Tuğçe Çankaya Simpson about what climate change is and some of it’s effects. We hear from Oneeqa and Aqueeda from Pakistan, Olesia from Ukraine, Gabriel from Romania, Atiqullah from Afghanistan, Kidane from Eritrea, Douglas from El Salvador and Misk from Sudan.
TEP s3 e6 - Learning English in the UK
Following on from last fortnights episode where ESOL students in Yorkshire shared their tips on learning English, in this episode we hear about the experience of learning English in the UK from ESOL students in Thurrock. ESOL teacher Zaneta Pawlowicz introduces her students Natalya from Ukraine, Jessica from Brasil and Jurgita from Lithuania, who tell us about how they have learnt English since coming to the UK.
TEP s3 e5 - Tips for Learning English
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast ESOL teacher Beata Barker introduces a class discussion sharing tips on how to improve your English outside of ESOL class. Olga, Maria, Natalja, Izabela and Kadir are in an ESOL Improvers Class in Goole run by East Riding of Yorkshire council. They give some great advice on how to practise your English language skills.
TEP s3 e4 - Why ESOL is important
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast ESOL students from Kirklees College talk about why learning ESOL is important to them. Xiaoyun, Marwa, Radouane, Munaza, Shene, Asmaa, Ambree, Lubna, Palma, Shabana, Neelam, Areeba, Rukhsana and Anisa introduce themselves and tell us how ESOL has help them in their lives in the UK. They are followed by a discussion between Neelam, Fazeela, Rukhsana, Sonia, Fazilat, Anisa and Shabana. Thanks to all the students for sharing their experience.
TEP s3 e3 - The Compulsory Hijab
ESOL students from Westgate Community College in Newcastle have been discussing the compulsory hijab, the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran and the protests that have followed. This episode of The ESOL Podcast is introduced by Souad. Sara, Laila, Aysa and Fatemah discuss attitudes to the hijab in Morocco, Pakistan, the UK, Turkey and Iran.
TEP S3 E2 - Welcome to Wales
This episode of The ESOL Podcast comes from Bridgend College in Wales. ESOL teacher Elin talks to ESOL students Aicha, Gheorghe, Jing, Nacho and Valeriia about Wales. They tell us about things that surprised them when they moved to Wales and about some places to visit.
There is a transcript of episode available on The ESOL Podcast website to help with Welsh place names and welsh language Gheorghe introduces us to.
TEP S3. E1. - The Cost of Living Crisis in the UK
The ESOL Podcast returns for series 3. In the first episode of the new series, ESOL students from Idea Store Learning in Tower Hamlets talk about the Cost of Living Crisis in the UK. They recorded this discussion at the end of 2022. The ESOL students who took part are Tania, Sultana, Shuhuda, Masum, Ruksana, Tahera, Sultana, Nazma, Ibrahim, Nazmin and Maksim.
TEP s2. ep. 13 - Comparing housing
In this episode ESOL students from Newcastle College - Wafa Abu Saleh, Nazha Sayed Ahmed, Rofayda Sinada and Khalida Parveen – compare housing in the UK to housing in their countries Jordan, Afghanistan, Sudan and Bahrain.
TEP S2. E12. - Special Meals from around the World
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students from Edinburgh College discuss special food from their home countries. We hear from Karima, Anca, Özgür, Aisha, Wilmary, Rasma, Maymona and Lakhi. They talk about traditional and important meals from around the world and share recipes so you can make them yourself.
TEP S2. Ep11. Zahra and Romaa talk about baking
ESOL students from Newcastle College have been making podcasts about this that are important to them. In this episode Zahra and Romaa discus their love of baking.
You can hear more Newcastle College ESOL Podcasts here.
If you would like to make an episode of The ESOL Podcast email info@esolpodcast.co.uk
TEP S2. E10. - Influential Women from around the World
For this episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students from Westgate College in Newcastle have been talking about influential women from around the world. They have been discussing these women’s achievements to celebrate two important days - International day for Women and Girls in Science on 11th Feb and International Women's Day on 8th March.
Parisa speaks about Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian Mathematician (0.37). Ivanka speaks about Stefka Kostadinova, a Bulgarian Athlete (2.02). Nadia speaks about Benazir Bhutto, a Pakistani Politician (2.51). Viorica speaks about Nadia Elena Comăneci Conner, a Romanian Gymnast (4.04). Farzana speaks about Begum Rokeya, a Bengali Feminist and Political Activist (5.08). Raj speaks about Kalpana Chawala, an Indian Astronaut (6.27).
TEP S2.E9 - Profile of an ESOL Organisation - United Mothers
This episode is our first profile of an ESOL organisation. Phoebe and Gulay join us from Thanet in Kent to tell us about United Mothers. United Mothers is a project for women who speak English as an other language. They use natural voice activities to develop speaking confidence and to develop community. Phoebe and Gulay tell us how they got involved and why they love being part of United Mothers. If you would like to know more about the organisation please follow this link.
TEP S2.E8 - The Impact of Volunteering
In this episode ESOL students from Newcastle College - Rebar, Bahar and Susan - discuss the positive impact of volunteering. Many ESOL students find volunteering a good way to connect with their community and to improve their language skills. If their discussion inspires you to start volunteering you can find your nearest Volunteer Centre at https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer there is also Volunteering Wales and Volunteer Scotland.
TEP 2.7 Update from the Love ESOL Campaign
This episode hears from ESOL students at English for Action who have been involved in the #LoveESOL Campaign to improve ESOL provision in London. The students share their ESOL stories and talk about their experiences campaigning for ESOL so far.
You can get involved in the #LoveESOL Campaign. You can visit the website https://loveesol.co.uk/ or send an email to LoveEsol@efalondon.org
Last year the GLA held an Adult Education Roadmap Consultation, which included ESOL. The findings will be published soon. We will post a link at www.esolpodcast.co.uk when it is published.
TEP S2.E6. - Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from The ESOL Podcast. ESOL Students from Newcastle City Learning, Westgate College tell us about New Year around the world. Adla talks about Kurdish New Year. Farzana and Taslima talk about New Year in Bangladesh. Ivanka talks about celebrations in Bulgaria. Sana tells us how New Year is celebrated in Libya. Viorica describes new year in Romania. Can you hear the differences and similarities? How do you celebrate New Year?
TEP S2. Ep5. Climate Change
For the last ESOL Podcast episode of 2021, Maria and Azadeh talk about the important issue of climate change. They made this episode as part of the Newcastle College ESOL Podcast project and you can find many more podcasts by ESOL students at Newcastle College on spotify and other podcast platforms - https://open.spotify.com/show/1l9w1KKS6nt2TE7ewGRLb3?si=9113734e4f404ee2
If you would like to make an episode for The ESOL Podcast please send us an email info@esolpodcast.co.uk or contact us through Facebook or Twitter. @TheESOLPodcast
Series 2. Ep 4. Credit Ratings in the UK
For episode 4 of series 2 of The ESOL Podcast we have another podcast made by ESOL students at Newcastle College. In this episode Rebar and Shahwali discuss credit ratings in the UK - what are they and how can you improve yours?
ESOL students at Newcastle College have been recording podcasts on subjects that matter to them. There teacher, Ruth Ashford, has set up the Newcastle College ESOL podcast so you can listen to their recordings. You can search for it on your favourite podcast platform or follow this spotify link - https://open.spotify.com/show/1l9w1KKS6nt2TE7ewGRLb3?si=7717d3b8eccb4f81
Series 2. Ep 3. A Conversation about Immigration
For episode 3 of series 2 The ESOL Podcast features a conversation between Saeed and Samira. They are ESOL students from Newcastle College who have been making podcasts in their class about topic that are important to them. Saeed and Samira share their experience of immigration. If you would like to make an podcast you can get in touch at info@esolpodcast.co.uk or find us on social media.
Series 2. Ep2. Profile of an ESOL Student: Hanane El Hadioui
For the 2nd episode of series 2 of The ESOL Podcast, we are joined by Hanane El Hadioui. Hanane is an ESOL student in Manchester. She tells us about her experience learning ESOL and about working with a project in Manchester that combines ESOL and food - Heart and Parcel. If you would like to know more about Heart and Parcel, their website is heartandparcel.org.
If you would like to participate in an episode of The ESOL Podcast, please complete this form The ESOL Podcast Form.
Series 2. Ep 1. The return to Face-to-face classes
The ESOL Podcast returns for Series 2. Amy is joined by Malahat and Zaki, who are ESOL students at Oldham College, and Kiranjit who studies with Hackney Adult Learning. They talk about the start of the academic year, their experiences of learning during the pandemic and skills they learnt when studying online.
Malahat, Zaki and Kiranjit joined a zoom discussion to make this podcast episode. it you would like to make an episode please complete this form - https://forms.gle/4v3mEuUusX9ewdUY8
The ESOL Podcast 29 - festivals and celebrations
For our final episode of series 1 ESOL students from Hackney talk about their favourite festivals and celebrations from all over the world.
See you in September for series 2 of The ESOL Podcast.
The ESOL Podcast 28 - Holidays
With travel restrictions meaning most people won't be going abroad this year, ESOL students in Hackney decided to share memories of their favourite holidays in episode 28 of The ESOL Podcast.
The ESOL Podcast 27 - Profile of an ESOL Student: Marcio Pereira
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, Hackney ESOL student Marcio Pereira talks to us about his life and work as a Jazz Musician.
The ESOL Podcast 26 - Lockdown Poetry
As lockdown restrictions continue to lift, ESOL students in Hackney have been reflecting on their experience during the Coronavirus Crisis. Students in Silvia's class decided to write poetry to express their thoughts and feelings. We hope you enjoy them.
The ESOL Podcast 25 - The Local Elections in London
The local elections are on Thursday 6th May. In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, EfA students Nadifa and Yousoufou discuss the elections with their teacher Dermot.
The ESOL Podcast 24 - What is The ESOL Podcast?
In the 24th episode of The ESOL Podcast, Elssye and Amy talk about the podcast itself. Elssye asks Amy some questions about when and why The ESOL Podcast started and talks about her experience of making episodes and listening to the podcast.
The ESOL Podcast 23 - Reflections on Lockdown
As we begin to come out of Lockdown, Muzna and Roulan reflect on their experience over the last year. Muzna and Roulan are ESOL students in Leeds. You can hear more of their class mates discuss their experience of Lockdown on the Radio ESOL podcast, available on Spotify.
The ESOL Podcast - Census Special
Many ESOL classes across the UK have been talking about the Census 2021. ESOL students Ekaterina and Thy Nguyen, talk to Amy about completing their Census forms online. Census 2021 day is the 21st March. You can find information about help filling in your form at www.census.gov.uk
The ESOL Podcast 22 - ESOL and Community Organising - Part 5 - Experiences Of CO Outside The UK
In this episode our team of ESOL student community organisers discuss their experience of community organising outside the UK.
The ESOL Podcast 21 - ESOL and Community Organising Part 4 - Action and Evaluation
In part 4 of our series on Community Organising, English for Action ESOL students talk about taking action to resolves the problems we face, and how to evaluate the action we have taken.
The ESOL Podcast 20 - Wellbeing and Exercise
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students Sophie, Veronic and Nadifa talk to Dermot about wellbeing and exercise, and how important it is during lockdown.
The ESOL Podcast 19 - Profile of an ESOL Student - Besey Tasar
This episode is a profile of ESOL student, Besey Tasar. Besey is an ESOL student in Leeds. She tells us about her life, hobbies and how she her life has been affected by Lockdown.
The ESOL Podcast 18 - The COVID 19 Vaccine
Just before the winter break, English for Action held a meeting for ESOL students to ask doctors about the COVID 19 Vaccine. In this episode of The ESOL Podcast Menal, Nabila, Fatima and Zeinab talk to their teacher Amira about what they learnt about the vaccine.
The ESOL Podcast 17 - Film Reviews For The Winter Break
In the last episode of The ESOL Podcast before the winter break from classes, ESOL students in Hackney share reviews of their favourite films. The films reviewed include: The Big Lebowski, A Street Cat Named Bob, Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham, Veer-Zaara, 3 Idiots, Troy, Train to Busan, Titanic, Hüdayi Yolu (Hüdayi’s Way), The Blind Side, Star Trek (TV series), Coco, A Christmas Carol, Gone with the Wind, The Matrix, Titanic, Ghost, The Green Mile, Finding Nemo, No Escape, The Green Mile, When Calls the Heart, Baby’s Day Out and The Notebook
The ESOL Podcast 16 - Candy Chavez on the Rights of Trans Women
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, EFA student Candy Chavez talks to her ESOL teacher Dermot Bryers about her activism and the struggle for trans women's rights in Latin America and across the world.
The ESOL Podcast 15 - Happiness
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students from Hackney Adult Education talk about what makes them happy. We all need to cheering up during Coronavirus and the winter!
The ESOL Podcast 14 - Online Learning
The ESOL Podcast 14 is about online learning. Since the outbreak of Coronavirus many ESOL classes moved online for the first time. ESOL student Saleha talks to her teacher Nermin about the advantages and challenges.
The ESOL Podcast 13 - The History and Politics of Benin and Liberia
In this episode of The ESOL Podcast is an interview with EFA student Yousoufou Akin-ola Adio Chitou. Yousoufou shares his knowledge and opinions about the history and politics of Benin, where he is originally from, and Liberia, West Africa.
The ESOL Podcast 12 - #LoveESOL post-event
In the twelfth episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL teacher Amy Jowett speaks to students who organised and attended September's #LoveESOL event. The event celebrated the European Day of Languages and also engaged Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe and his City Hall colleagues in a discussion with ESOL students and teachers about ESOL policy in London. This podcast follows on from The ESOL Podcast 11, which publicised the event.
The ESOL Podcast 11 - #LoveESOL Pre-event
The ESOL Podcast's first episode after the summer break is about the annual #LoveESOL event at City Hall in London, where the Greater London Assembly sits. The annual event is held on the European Day of Languages and celebrates all the languages spoken in London. ESOL student Rabia tells us about her experiences as an ESOL student and about why the #LoveESOL event is important.
The #LoveESOL event in 2020 was on Friday 25th September on Zoom. ESOL students and teachers met representatives from City Hall to talk about ESOL in London. The ESOL Podcast 12 is about what happened at the event.
The ESOL Podcast 10 - Black Lives Matter
In the tenth episode of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students from Hackney Adult Education talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and racism in the UK.
The ESOL Podcast 9 - ESOL and Community Organising - Part 3 "Power"
The ESOL Podcast presents the third in a series about community organising and ESOL. EFA teacher-organiser, Adela Belecova, talks to her students about one of the key concepts in community organising: power. This episode follows on from The ESOL Podcasts 7 and 8. We hope to continue the series in 2021.
The ESOL Podacast 8: ESOL and Community Organising - Part 2 "Research"
The ESOL Podcast presents the second in the series on community organising. EFA teacher-organiser, Adela Belecova, talks to her students about researching problems using Community Organising methods. This episodes follows on from The ESOL Podcast 7, where the students discussed exploring common problems.
The ESOL Podcast 7 - ESOL and Community Organising - Part 1 "Exploring Problems"
The ESOL Podcast is please to present the first episode in a series on ESOL and Community Organising. English For Action teacher-organiser Adela Belecova talks to her students about community organising. In Part 1 they focus on identifying and exploring common problems. Part 2 on research and Part 3 on power continue the series.
The ESOL Podcast 6 - Profile of an ESOL Student -Zhanna Sotirova
The sixth episode of The ESOL Podcast is another profile of an ESOL Student. Zhanna talks to her teacher Nermin Altun. They talk about Zhanna's life, family and hobbies - before and during Coronavirus. They also discuss online classes.
The ESOL Podcast 5 - Work during Coronavirus
In episode 5 of The ESOL Podcast, ESOL students Veronica and Ricardo talk to their teacher Dermot about how their work has been affected by Coronavirus.