Our Italian Adventure: Spotlight on Pathways to Learning Italian

PART 102: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.

We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!

We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).

Step 1: As we explore areas and towns in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.

This week, let's explore specific pathways to learn Italian.

Step 2: Background

In our previous blogs, we delved into the process of learning Italian and the fundamental elements of language acquisition. As previously emphasized, consistency is the most crucial component. For instance, dedicating 15 minutes to studying Italian daily is more effective than cramming in 3-4 hours sporadically due to guilt.

The fundamental components of learning Italian are:

1. Commitment to learning

2. Selecting a learning approach that aligns with one's learning style

3. Consistency

4. Applying what one learns into practice

Today, let's concentrate on various learning approaches.

Step 3: Learning styles

In my 25 years of teaching, I've learned that everyone has unique learning styles. Some students are visual learners, others learn best through audio, and some are kinesthetic learners who prefer activities. Some students excel with projects, while others do better with quizzes or a combination. I've also noticed that some students thrive in group learning while others prefer to work independently.

We all have our own learning styles, and sometimes learners, including adults, become frustrated not because they can't learn but because they are using a learning style that doesn't suit them.

Through trial and error, I have discovered that understanding my own optimal learning style is crucial in choosing the best learning path.

For example, I learn best in a classroom with assignments and deadlines. As much as I wish it were otherwise, that approach works best for me.

Step 4: Structured in-person learning.

I want to provide some examples of in-person learning opportunities near me in Southern California. These types of classes are available in many metropolitan areas; just do a Google search.

• Italian Cultural Institute: ​​ https://iiclosangeles.esteri.it/en/lingua-e-cultura/i-corsi-di-lingua/

• Pasadena Community College: https://pasadena.edu/academics/divisions/english-languages-esl/languages/italian.php

• Glendale Community College: https://www.glendale.edu/academics/degree-certificate-programs/certificate-programs-gainful-employment/italian-language

• Santa Monica College: https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/modern-languages/italian.php

Step 4: Structured online learning

Structured online courses are "live" classes with assignments and deadlines, not self-paced. This type of course works better for me than self-paced, but everyone is different.

Pasadena Language Center: https://pasadenalanguage.com/weekly-class-schedule.php

Palomar College: https://www.palomar.edu/onlineeducation/italian/

University of Wisconsin: https://continuingstudies.wisc.edu/classes/italian-1/

Step 5: Self-Paced Online Learning

Self-paced learning requires the learner to be disciplined and organized. Some excellent self-paced offerings are:

• Wellesley College: https://www1.wellesley.edu/italianonline

• Irvine Valley College: https://www.ed2go.com/ivccommunityed/online-courses/instant-italian/

• University of New Hampshire: https://training.unh.edu/course/instant-italian-self-paced-tutorial

Step 5: Individual tutoring

I have tutored Italian to individuals and small groups for several years and'd like to share my experience.

Tutoring can be effective when the learner is also enrolled in a systematic online or in-person course. In other words, tutoring works best when it is just one part of the learning process.

In my experience as a tutor, those not simultaneously enrolled in a course do not make much progress. Adults who seek a tutor for Italian typically do so for leisure and are not inclined to do homework or assignments between tutoring sessions. As a result, the tutoring sessions often end up focusing on learning words and phrases rather than building a comprehensive understanding and practical use of the language.

Based on my experience, I advise against hiring a tutor if you are not enrolled in an Italian course. Even if you are taking a course, consider whether a tutor is really necessary.

Step 6: Self-study, including software learning

Some independent learners thrive when they study on their own. Give them the right textbook or learning software; they are off and running. Some of the tools that I've found effective in this regard are:

Rosetta Stone: I used Rosetta Stone in my classroom. Students engaged in interactive learning Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays, they used Rosetta Stone. Students enjoyed it, especially the activities in which they spoke using the microphone, and the software corrected their pronunciation. Like tutoring, Rosetta Stone can be an effective tool to supplement learning but can't replace a course or textbook.

Textbooks: There are many great Italian textbooks out there. I can't claim to know which ones are better than others, but a few that I like for beginners include:

1. "Italian in 10 minutes a day" https://a.co/d/2lq7XXy : I like this book because it is very visual and includes some fun activities. It's a great first step for beginners.

2. "Italian Made Simple" https://a.co/d/0SIlW83 : This book is designed for self-learners and delves deeper into Italian grammar compared to the previous book.

3. "Complete Italian Step-by-Step" https://a.co/d/6Ux8YCk : This comprehensive self-learning book on Italian includes more grammar explanations and exercises.

Step 7: Full immersion learning

Full immersion learning involves living in an environment where only Italian is spoken and attending classes conducted in Italian. Various programs offer this type of experience, but the most renowned and respected ones are the courses provided at the University for Foreigners in Perugia. Upon enrollment, students take an entrance exam and are then grouped with others at the same language proficiency level.

The university offers both distance and in-person courses, with an emphasis on in-person. More information can be found here: https://www.unistrapg.it/en/studying-at-unistrapg

Italian courses last as little as four weeks up to a quarter of the semester. More information on course duration can be found here: https://www.unistrapg.it/en/studying-at-unistrapg/italian-language-and-culture-courses/corsi/italian-language-courses.

Insights:

Choosing a learning path can be as individual as assembling a fitness regimen. Am I a jogger, a weightlifter, or a walker? Which activities best align with my goals and aspirations? I hope that the learning path examples provided in this blog will assist others in creating their own path to learning the Italian language.

More next time.

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