TELETANDEM ORIENTATION SESSION. Foreign language learning in- tandem involves pairs of native (or competent) speakers of different languages working collaboratively

TELETANDEMORIENTATION SESSION

Foreign language learning in-tandem involves pairs of native (or competent) speakers of different languages working collaboratively in order to learn the language of the other.

Each student plays the role of learner for one half hour by speaking and practicing the language of his partner. They, then, switch roles and languages.

Telles & Vassallo (2009)

TANDEM LEARNING

Teletandem

Teletandem is a virtual context of foreign language teaching / learning within which pairs of native (or competent) speakers of different languages work collaboratively in order to learn the language of the other.

Telles & Vassallo (2006)

By means of on-line computer mediated video-conferencing software, each student plays the role of learner for one hour by speaking and practicing the language of his partner through virtual intercontinental collaboration.

Three principles of foreign language learning in-tandem

• One language at the time

• Reciprocity

• AutonomyBrammerts (2003)

Tips for planning your teletandem session 1

Learning in tandem means online collaboration, working together and helping each other to achieve objectives. So… Arrive on time and, if possible, 10 minutes before the session,

so that you can plan it; Establish what you want to learn during the session and let

your partner know about your objectives. You should also know his/hers (the principle of reciprocity is important!);

Tell you partner HOW you want to receive language feedback from him/her (at the moment, or at the end of the session, if you want to be interrupted to receive feedback or not);

Take notes, or your progress will be slower. Taking notes as you develop conversation is very important. Both can use the chat to take notes and, then, copy them somewhere else.


Review your notes between one session or the other. If possible, use the new vocabulary you learned during the session in sentences or in a brief written account (in the target language) of what went on during the session;

Always come to sessions with a theme to talk about and propose it to your partner. You can tell him/her in advance (by e-mail), so that he/she will be able to prepare materials about that theme. If you or your partner do not know what to talk about during a session, both of you should better plan your sessions: read the headlines of the local newspapers, check themes you would be interested or would like to discuss with your partner;


Teletandem learners should have the same amount of time for each language during the session. So, pay attention and share the time in your language and in the target language evenly, or either you or your partner will not feel satisfied.

Allow ten minutes at the end of the sessions to make a brief evaluation and review what you both have learned. It will give you a sense of accomplishment. If you feel you are not progressing, ask yourself: “Was today’s session better than the first one we had? In what ways?”;

Always change the starting language of a session. The first part of a session is always more productive than the second. So, if you started the session this week in English, you and your partner should start in the other language, in the following week.

Students enjoy teletandem sessions because they can…

• be corrected

• improve fluency

• gain confidence

• listen to different accents

• have constant attention

• improve pronunciation

• learn how to structure phrases

• practice language in a real context

• speak freely, more fluently and comfortably

• have freedom to choose what to talk about

• practice language in real life situation

• develop vocabulary and listening abilities

• practice new vocabulary, expressions and structures

• practice what is learned in class with a native speaker

The Linguistic Dimension of TT

Source: Telles (2015)


• learn and speak more than in a classroom

• be exposed to formal and informal language (slang)

• focus attention onto the partner's accent

• practice without fear of making mistakes

• learn about speaking in different interactional contexts

• have face to face conversation that helps learning

• experience language and culture from the native's perspective

• share explanations and ask questions (at the moment

• as session progresses)

• focus on chatting and having fun (which makes learning easier) instead of just being focused on learning

The Linguistic Dimension of TT

(continued)



• use the foreign language

• express themselves freely

• share the same objectives

• start a friendship with the partner

• send e-mail messages on the weekends

• practice the language without fear of making mistakes

• knowing a country’s culture from the partner’s point of view

• count on the partner’s punctuality to get online

• interact with a new person from a different culture

• feel their own increase of interest in the foreign language

• acquire confidence when speaking the foreign language

• have fun organizing and balancing their sessions.

• get to know a person from a different country (know new people with different customs)

The Interactive Dimension of TT



• learn about a foreign culture

• talk about the country with people from that country

• have contact with language and culture through a native or competent speaker;

• learn about multiple cultures at the same time

• have the opportunity to meet people from different countries and talk with them

• learn about young people of the country and the way they live

• get in touch with different people and new customs

• get to know a different country

The Cultural Dimension of TT


• curious

• easy-going

• nice

• patient

• talkative

• helpful

• friendly

• understanding

• polite

• sweet

• intellectual

• attentive

• has a similar age

• kind

Qualities of a good teletandem partner


• nice company

• responsible

• sensible

• collaborative

• charismatic

• mature

• communicative

• similar personality

• good sense of humor

• is punctual to get online

• has much in common with me

• knowledgeable about his/her country and culture

• is dedicated and interested in learning the partner’s language

• brings many topics to talk about

• makes the conversation flow

• makes an effort to learn

• asks and answers questions

• touches several aspects of a theme

• has a clear and understandable voice in his/her language

• helps the partner to develop and/or to improve his/her grammatical, oral and comprehension skills

A good teletandem partner always


• corrects the partner

• corrects own mistakes

• solves doubts

• teaches new words

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TELETANDEM ORIENTATION SESSION. Foreign language learning in- tandem involves pairs of native (or competent) speakers of different languages working collaboratively