Rules of working in tandem
Basic principles of language tandem:
- you yourself determine when, where, how often and on what topics you would like to study;
- languages are not mixed, each language is given an equal amount of time (e.g. 50 minutes/50 minutes);
- respect and reciprocity, both partners should equally try for each other;
- EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT - EVERYONE IS EQUAL: no racism, no nationalism, no discrimination based on culture, religion, gender, etc.
Rules of working in language tandem
- You meet with a tandem partner at least 2 times a week: first you are an expert in your native language, then a student.
- You try to completely immerse yourself in the language environment and not mix languages: one lesson is held exclusively in one language, the second lesson in another.
- Keep all appointments and be on time. Show respect for your partner and his or her wishes, opinions and attitudes.
When you are an expert: | When you are a student: |
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Remember: Tandem partners are interlocutors, not language teachers. Your tandem partner does not have a teaching diploma, he can help if you do not understand something; correct mistakes; suggest cases of the use of certain expressions; give information about life in their country, talk about the culture of their country.
Must-do list for the first meeting
- Define your goals, it's okay if you have different goals with your partner. What do you want to achieve?
- improve your speaking?
- become more fluent?
- expand vocabulary?
- learn about another culture?
- overcome the language barrier?
- тілдік кедергіні жеңу керек пе?
- work out the skills of writing, business correspondence?
- prepare for language exams?
- work out the material covered in the classroom?
- speak fluently while traveling?
- Discuss with your partner your schedule and follow it:
Time: how often will you meet? How long? How long do you plan to study in tandem (e.g.: until the end of the semester)?
Location: Discuss if you prefer to study online or offline? If offline, decide on a location. It can be: a library, a free classroom, student cafeterias.
NB: For your safety, choose public places!