The basic principles of language learning in Tandem

When learning a language in Tandem, the principles of mutual responsibility (reciprocity) and autonomy apply. As a tandem couple, you can follow these principles by considering the following aspects, among others:
  • The meetings take place regularly once a week and last at least 90 minutes.
  • Each language should be given an equal amount of time.
  • Both languages are practised separately and not mixed together.
  • Both partners are learners as well as listeners, advisors and experts in the use of your native language(s).
  • Both partners respect the joint agreements reached and atake responsibility for their own learning as well as for that of their tandem partner.
  • Each tandem partner is responsible for their own learning and learning success and decides what and how to practise in their target language (autonomy principle).
  • Both tandem partner supports each other (principle of reciprocity) in selecting material and preparing for the meetings. Both are experts in their native language and know what is right and what is wrong at all times.
  • Learning in tandem should never be the same as conventional lessons or tutoring.

 

TIPS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING IN TANDEM

  • Time and place: Choose the time and place for the meetings according to the learning objectives of both partners.  
  • Learning goals and content: Formulate learning objectives and persie them continuously. After each meeting, reflect on whether you have come closer to your objectives, and use the meeting minutes in the learning diary for this purpose.
    Respect your partner's learning goals and their own and individual method of learning. When choosing the content, make sure that it really interests you and is useful for you (e.g. open questions from language courses, linguistic questions about projects, specialised topics, intercultural questions).
  • Working methods and materials: There are many different ways of working to help you achieve your learning objectives. You can hold discussions, write dictations, read and learn poems, give presentations or ask and answer questions. In doing so, you can, for instance, practise the correct use of phrases and expressions, correct grammatical problems and expand your vocabulary. Always discuss the working methods with your partner and reflect after each meeting on whether you found the chosen form of work motivating and useful. Keep trying out new methods.
    Materials (newspapers, books, pictures, films, cooking recipes etc.) support the joint learning process, as they can both provide a suitable occasion for speaking and help with practicing linguistic structures. Ask for suitable materials and look for appealing materials for your partner yourself. Make use of the Language Counselling Service should you run out of ideas or woouold like feedback.
  • Feedback and correcting: Ask for feedback and corrections and offer both to your partner as well. This is the only way you will both benefit language-wise. You don’t have to know everything but you will know what is correct in your mother tongue. Be positive, encourage your partner, give praise and motivate them. Correct any mistakes by repeating the phrase correctly. Point out mistakes to your partner and try to correct them together. Observe in successive meetings whether your partner is making progress or not. Make use of the Language Counselling Service to learn more of the art of providing feedback and your options for correcting mistakes.
  • Own learning success control by means of learning diary: You might consider recording your ideas, questions, wishes, and also your suggestions for future tandem sessions by writing a learning portfolio on a weekly basis. Use it also to plan the content of the next meetings – this does not need to be detailed, some notes are entirely sufficient. It will help you to work continuously in a structured manner, collect your materials and notes, and adjust your activities after reviewing your learning progress.
  • Language Learning Counselling: You can find support in planning, implementing, raising awareness of and evaluating language learning in tandem in the language learning counselling service and in the language learning workshops. Take advantage of these offers to maximise the potential of learning in tandem.