Learning in tandem will be more effective if you already have a basic knowledge of the language that you want to improve. If you are a beginner, then during meetings it is better to use a textbook or tutorial.

During tandem meetings, you can:

• watch movies in the original;
• read books, newspapers;
• listen to music, learn songs;
• attend cultural events: exhibitions, museums, theaters, cinemas;
• make excursions;
• prepare a typical meal;
• study according to the textbook / tutorial;
• play different games, etc.

Sample topics for discussion:

• for acquaintance: a survey on topics: study, family, free time, home, etc.;
• describe your hobbies: favorite food, music, books, etc.;
• discuss intercultural aspects: unexpected little things, (family) life in your countries, prejudices, customs, traditions, work/unemployment, studies, school/university, non-verbal communication: gestures, facial expressions, etc.;
• what is art / love / work? what does... mean to you? and for me...?
• design your dream vacation/weekend;
• describe photos;
• tell typical stories, fairy tales and legends from your countries;
• talk about language and communication;
• proverbs and sayings;
• find matches in other languages;
• discuss regional language features and much more.

On the website https://www.seagull-tandem.eu/material/ you can find ready-made materials for your classes: THEMATIC SHEET AND HANDOUTS in order to systematically develop your language skills.

At https://www.seagull-tandem.eu/ideas/ you can find ADDITIONAL MATERIALS such as images, videos, questions on global issues and links to additional online learning materials to help deepen your language skills.


Error correction

1. Especially at the beginning level, try not to correct too much. When, for example, your partner tries to choose words, it is useless to correct his grammar.
2. Discuss before every meeting about what to correct and when. For example, if you want to work on certain grammar or set expressions, ask for correction of only these elements.
3. Agree on a short period of time during which you will correct your partner; depending on your level, this can be anywhere between five minutes for beginners and around 20 minutes for advanced learners.
4. Don't interrupt your partner, just write down the mistakes he makes. Discuss the mistakes at the agreed time.
5. If your partner makes a lot of mistakes, limit your correction to certain repetitive patterns of mistakes (such as word order).
6. Remember that you don't have to explain why something is wrong (which you may not know how to do either!). Tandem partners are interlocutors, not language teachers.
7. At the end of the conversation, give your partner valuable feedback. Emphasize the positives you notice - some motivation always helps. You can also correct some common mistakes. During the session, take notes on comments and suggestions you would like to make at the end.