Podcast
LLF Speaks
Hosted by Language and Learning Foundation Podcast · EN
Welcome to the LLF Speaks Podcast, brought to you by the Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), a system-focused and impact-driven organisation working at scale towards improving the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes of children in government primary schools in India.
Since 2015, we have partnered with 10 state governments, reaching 16.2 million children and 1.08 million teachers. By 2030, we aim to reach 35 million children across India. We are committed to supporting the government's mission to ensure that all children have strong foundational skills. Visit www.languageandlearningfoundation.org to know more.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2 | Ep 5 Multilingual Education: Learning in the Language of Child | Dr Mahendra Mishra
2w ago00:35:06Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean for a child to learn in a language they truly understand? How does language shape not only comprehension, but also confidence, identity, participation, and belonging in the classroom? And what must education systems do to ensure that linguistic diversity becomes a strength rather than a barrier to learning? In Episode 5 of LLF Speaks Season 2, Padma Shri Awardee Dr Mahendra K Mishra, Trustee and National Advisor – Multilingual Education at Language and Learning Foundation, joins Smriti Mishra, Senior Manager – Multilingual Education at Language and Learning Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on Multilingual Education: Learning in the Language of the Child. The episode explores why multilingual education is foundational to equitable and meaningful learning, particularly in linguistically diverse contexts like India. Drawing from both global perspectives and field experiences across Indian classrooms, the discussion unpacks how children learn best when teaching begins in the language they speak, think, and understand at home. From the role of mother tongue-based learning in strengthening comprehension and foundational literacy to the importance of bilingual pedagogy, translanguaging, culturally relevant materials, and community participation, the conversation reflects on what effective multilingual classrooms can look like in practice. The episode also examines the challenges that continue to shape multilingual education in India — including language hierarchies, gaps in teacher preparation, lack of contextual learning materials, and the disconnect between policy and classroom realities. Importantly, the discussion highlights how multilingual education is not only about language inclusion, but also about preserving children’s identities, strengthening participation, and building more equitable systems of learning for every child. Know more about LLF: Website: https://languageandlearningfoundation... LinkedIn: / language-and-learning-foundation Instagram: / llf_ig Facebook: / languageandlearningfoundation X: https://x.com/LLF_edu
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S2 Episode 4 : Structured Pedagogy: Making Teaching Effective for FLN | Dhir Jhingran
4w ago00:26:31Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to move from curriculum design to meaningful classroom practice? How can structured pedagogy support teachers with clarity and consistency while still leaving space for responsiveness, reflection, and contextual adaptation? And what does it really mean to build systems that ensure every child has access to equitable learning opportunities? In Episode 4 of LLF Speaks Season 2, Dhir Jhingran, Founder and Executive Director, LLF, joins Supriya Ghosh, Lead, Literacy at LLF, for a deep dive into Structured Pedagogy: Making Teaching Effective for FLN. The conversation explores why structured pedagogy has emerged as a critical approach in addressing the global learning crisis, especially in the foundational years. From learning outcomes frameworks and lesson sequencing to teacher guides, classroom routines, mentoring structures, and continuous assessments, the episode unpacks how coherent instructional design can strengthen teaching and learning at scale. The discussion also reflects on what structured pedagogy looks like inside real classrooms, where clarity, rhythm, and responsiveness shape children’s learning experiences through guided routines, active participation, and timely support. Importantly, the episode examines common misconceptions around teacher autonomy, and how structure, when thoughtfully designed, can actually create space for meaningful teacher agency and equitable instruction. Designed for teacher educators, academic leaders, policymakers, and practitioners, this episode brings together research, field realities, and implementation insights to explore how structured pedagogy can support foundational learning systems that are both coherent and adaptable. Know more about LLF: Website: https://languageandlearningfoundation... LinkedIn: / language-and-learning-foundation Instagram: / llf_ig Facebook: / languageandlearningfoundation X: https://x.com/LLF_edu
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S2 Episode 3 : Unpacking Foundational Numeracy | Shubhra Chatterji | Sunil Kushwaha
May 2100:37:59Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to help children not only learn numbers but also truly understand them, use them in daily life, and think mathematically with confidence? How can classroom practices move beyond procedures to build deep number sense and meaningful engagement with mathematics? In Episode 3 of LLF Speaks Season 2, Shubhra Chatterji, Director at Vikramshila Education Resource Society, joins Sunil Kushwaha, Lead, Numeracy at the Language and Learning Foundation, to unpack what strong foundations in numeracy look like in the early grades. The conversation explores how children develop early mathematical thinking, why number sense and basic operations are central to all future learning, and how structured pedagogy can support both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. It also reflects on how classrooms can move from concrete experiences to abstract ideas through thoughtful lesson design. Drawing on field experience and evidence, the episode highlights how oral maths talk, systematic modelling, and independent practice can be brought together within a coherent lesson structure. It also discusses the role of games, real life contexts, and hands on materials such as counters, beads, sticks, or number cards in making mathematics meaningful and accessible for every child. Designed for teacher trainers and academic leads, with insights for school leaders and practitioners, this episode brings together research and classroom practice to focus on what effective numeracy instruction looks like in action.Know more about LLF: Website: https://languageandlearningfoundation... LinkedIn: / language-and-learning-foundation Instagram: / llf_ig Facebook: / languageandlearningfoundation X: https://x.com/LLF_edu
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S2 Episode 2: Unpacking Foundational Literacy | Dr. Shailaja Menon | Ramesh Chandra
Apr 1200:36:42Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build strong foundations in literacy where children not only learn to read, but read with fluency, understand meaning, develop vocabulary, and express themselves through writing? How can everyday classroom practices bring these elements together in a coherent and engaging way? In Episode 2 of LLF Speaks Season 2, Dr Shailaja Menon, Consultant, Education Portfolio at Tata Trusts, joins Ramesh Chandra, Director, Academics at the Language and Learning Foundation, to discuss how evidence-based teaching–learning practices can support children in building reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills in an integrated manner. The conversation explores the foundations of literacy development, the role of emergent literacy, and the importance of a print rich environment in early classrooms. It also reflects on how children’s literature can be used to deepen reading engagement, and how structured and creative writing experiences can support children in expressing their ideas with clarity. Designed for teacher trainers and academic leads, with insights for school leaders and practitioners, this episode brings together research and practice to focus on what effective literacy instruction looks like in the classroom. Know more about LLF: Website: https://languageandlearningfoundation... LinkedIn: / language-and-learning-foundation Instagram: / llf_ig Facebook: / languageandlearningfoundation X: https://x.com/LLF_edu
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S2 Episode 1: Why Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) should be a national priority? Benjamin Piper
Jan 3100:34:37Tap to summarizeA conversation with Benjamin Piper (Director, Global Education Program, Gates Foundation) and Dhir Jhingran (Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation)Why Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) should be a national priority? In this opening episode of Season 2, we begin with the ‘why’. Even as school enrolment has expanded globally, millions of children complete primary school without learning to read with understanding or use numbers meaningfully. This foundational learning crisis has serious consequences for equity, economic growth, and social progress. In conversation with Benjamin Piper, Director, Global Education Program, Gates Foundation, and Dhir Jhingran, Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation, the episode explores the scale of the global learning crisis, what foundational literacy and numeracy truly mean, and why getting these basics right in the early years has lifelong impact. The discussion also looks at the vision behind India’s NIPUN Bharat Mission and how a system-wide focus on foundational learning is central to education reform. This episode sets the stage for a season that asks what it will take, in policy, practice, and systems, to ensure that every child learns the foundations well. Know more about LLF: Website: https://languageandlearningfoundation... LinkedIn: / language-and-learning-foundation Instagram: / llf_ig Facebook: / languageandlearningfoundation X: https://x.com/LLF_edu
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Episode 10: Surendra Pratap Shah, Block Education Officer, (BEO), Naugarh, Uttar Pradesh
Jun 3, 202500:08:24Tap to summarizeIn our last episode of Season 1, Surendra Pratap Shah, dedicated educator and Block Education Officer from Naugarh shares his experiences from over two decades of working at the grassroots level in school education. He speaks about the evolving educational landscape in rural areas, where students from underprivileged backgrounds are not just attending school but also progressing intellectually and socially. With the support of LLF and structured programmes like Structured Language and Numeracy (SLN), he highlights how collaborative practices between ARPs, teachers, and school leaders are improving learning outcomes.Through the conversation, Mr. Shah offers a grounded and hopeful view of foundational learning, one that thrives on community involvement, teacher collaboration, and consistent mentoring. Join us for this inspiring conversation.
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Episode 9: Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), Uttar Pradesh
May 27, 202500:25:40Tap to summarizeIn our ninth episode, Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, LLF, discusses his deep-rooted work in building inclusive, context-driven education systems in India. Drawing from decades of experience, Sanjeev reflects on how education can be reframed not as a system of control but as one of care, dialogue, and co-creation. He discusses the importance of creating safe, joyful, and democratic learning spaces for children, particularly in conflict-prone and marginalised regions. Through his work with LLF and other organisations, Sanjeev emphasises how equity in education starts with acknowledging diversity, listening to teachers, and trusting children’s ability to learn. He also shares practical insights on reimagining school systems, advocating for a shift from rigid curriculum delivery to flexible, localised learning rooted in children’s real lives.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Srivastava reveals how his work challenges conventional hierarchies in education and offers a humane and collaborative vision for transforming foundational learning in India.
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Episode 8: Niraj Pandey, District Academic Coordinator, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, Language and Learning Foundation (LLF)
May 27, 202500:06:45Tap to summarizeIn this engaging eighth episode, Niraj Pandey, a prominent educator and advocate for inclusive education, shares his vision and experiences in advancing foundational literacy across India. Niraj discusses the significant role of community involvement in creating a sustainable learning environment, emphasising the need for educators to focus on building meaningful relationships with students. Niraj highlights the challenges faced by educators, particularly in rural areas, and the transformative power of teacher empowerment and continuous professional development. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how targeted interventions and mentorship can significantly enhance learning outcomes, especially for marginalised groups.
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Episode 7: Dr. Kumar Bhagat Singh, State Resource Group (SRG), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
May 27, 202500:18:28Tap to summarizeIn our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kumar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.
Transcribe →Episode 7: Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, State Resource Group (SRG), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
May 27, 202500:18:28Tap to summarizeIn our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.
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