Learning a language is learning a skill, something which must be practiced. As adults and perhaps as teachers ourselves, many of us no longer experience this kind of learning. In learning a language, one's ego is constantly challenged. In practicing that new language, one's adult control of the world is battered. Humility is learned.
Frustration is experienced.
But in exchange for the limitations and challenges, one has the elation of success, too. In addition, my education and continuing training and research have provided the theoretical underpinning for the pedagogy. My sabbatical project put me into the special circumstances of a language learner going about daily life in a country where the second language was spoken. First, research electronic media for language learning, focusing on Italian, a language I had not studied before. Audio tapes Video tapes Computer programs on CD-ROM Online courses via the Internet Second, take a trip to Italy to experience two areas of language use.