Innovation in Language Learning

Making mistakes is an inevitable part of foreign language learning. For adult learners, this can be a particularly challenging experience, especially when they are accustomed to acting confidently and being perceived as competent in their professional roles. At the same time, such experiences may offer valuable opportunities for personal development that extend beyond language acquisition.

This presentation explores foreign language learning as a context in which learners encounter uncertainty, make mistakes, ask for support, and communicate despite limited linguistic resources. Particular attention is given to self-confidence as an important leadership competency and to the question of how experiences of failure and overcoming difficulties in language learning may contribute to its development.

The presentation is part of the major research project Military Leadership Skills Development during Foreign Language Practice, which investigates the role of foreign language learning in the development of military leadership competencies. Previous stages of the project included an analysis of learner feedback and the development of a questionnaire designed to examine leadership-related competencies in language education. The current presentation focuses on self-confidence as one of the most prominent competencies identified in the data and discusses its connection to language learning experiences.

The aim of the presentation is to broaden the understanding of foreign language learning by considering its contribution not only to linguistic development but also to the formation of leadership competencies. It argues that the experience of making mistakes in a safe learning environment may serve as an important resource for developing self-confidence and resilience in adult learners.

Keywords: foreign language learning, self-confidence, leadership development, adult learners, military education

References:

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Hainoja, A.; Sirkel, K. 2025. “Language Learning as Leadership Training? Rethinking Adult Language Education through the Lens of Soft Skills”. 18th International Conference “Innovation in Language Learning”. Proceedings, 452-457.

Hainoja, A. 2026. “The Strength Of Soft Skills in Adult Foreign Language Learning”. Journal of International Scientific Publications:                  Language, Individual & Society, 1 (19), 154−162.

Rutiku, S. 2014. Ülekantavate pädevuste arendamine kõrghariduses. Tartu: Sihtasutus Achimedes.

Säälik, Ü.; Ermus, A.; Männamaa, I.; Toom, L.; Kasemaa, A. 2020. “Kaitseväelise juhi pädevusmudel ”. Sõjateadlane (Estonian Journal of Military Studies), (14), 11−38.