Tandem learning/teaching at VMU
In 2014 the Institute of Foreign Languages introduced Tandem learning/teaching of languages thereby offering students a possibility to enhance their learning of languages in an autonomous and self-guided way outside classroom. This method is designed to teach and learn languages in collaboration i.e. in a pair. During the tandem sessions participants, who are advanced users of two different languages, exchange the roles of a teacher and a learner, thus, developing their competences of the selected language. Learning in a tandem is especially helpful in improving speaking and listening skills and gain experience in intercultural communication.
The introduction of Tandem learning/teaching at VMU was inspired by the Institute teachers’ participation in international project SEAGULL. The international team of project partners has created linguistic material for language learning and teaching in a tandem: 15 topic sheets of Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish for levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 as well as 20 topic sheets for communication in public areas. The material includes exercises, video and audio records as well as teacher guidelines and learning outcomes of particular topics. All the material can be openly accessed at http://seagull-tandem.eu/.
In 2014 a Moodle course was created for activities of tandem learning and a tandem coordinator was assigned to provide tandem learners with assistance. One VMU tandem learning session lasts for one semester. At the beginning of each session participants are invited to an introductory meeting where the tandem coordinator assists in arranging the tandem pairs and explains the activities in Moodle platform. All registered are informed about the first meeting by email.
Registration to tandem learning/teaching for 2016 autumn semester: