Language Tandem: A Practical Language Exchange - ABO700681

• Title: Language Tandem: A Practical Language Exchange
• Guaranteed by: Institute of Czech Language and Theory of Communication (21-UCJTK)
• Faculty: Faculty of Arts
• Actual: from 2025
• Semester: both
• Points: 3
• E-Credits: 3
• Hours per week, examination: 0/0, C [HT]
• Capacity: winter:unknown / unknown (8); summer:unknown / unknown (8)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: distance
• Note: you can enroll for the course repeatedly; course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment; you can enroll for the course in winter and in summer semester
• Guarantor: Mgr. et Mgr. Silvie Převrátilová, Ph.D.

Annotation

This autonomous language course is a one-semester course for students learning a foreign language (including Czech for incoming international students). Native speakers of two different languages work together to help each other learn the target language and about the target culture and community. The tandem works autonomously, depending on their goals. The course does not have a fixed schedule or location. Both partners should benefit equally from the exchange.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Aim of the course

1. Improve language and communication skills

2. Foster cultural exchange

3. Develop autonomous learning strategies

4. Build intercultural competence

5. Strengthen collaborative learning

 

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Descriptors

The tandem teams should ideally meet once or twice a week and work on the target languages using the material and methods they agree on at the start. 

Keeping learner diary.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Course completion requirements

 1. Intro session (60 mins) to set goals, discuss learning strategies, learning/teaching methods etc.

 2. Regular meetings with the partner, independent work documented in a notebook or electronic file (total od 50 hrs – includes contact time in the tandem sessions as well as independent studying and preparation time for teaching)

3. Learner diary and questionnaires.

4. Final session (60 mins) to discuss the learning/teaching path and present the tandem work in the group.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Literature

Benson, P. (2011). Teaching and researching: autonomy in language learning. Routledge. 

Brammerts, H. (2003). Autonomous language learning in tandem. The development of a concept. In L. Lewis & L. Walker (Eds.), Autonomous Language Learning in Tandem (pp. 27-36). Academic Electronic Publications.  

Compétences plurilingues : perspectives et actions / Plurilingual competencies: perspectives and actions. Masarykova univerzita. https://doi.org/10.5817/CZ.MUNI.M280-0562-2024 

Vassallo, M. L. & Telles, J. A. (2011). Foreign language learning in-tandem: Theoretical principles and research perspectives. The ESPecialist, 27(1). 

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Teaching methods

To be determined by each tandem autonomously, it can be consulted with the course supervisor.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Requirements to the exam

N/A

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Syllabus

Autonomous, set by the tandem pair, consulted with the supervisor.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Learning resources

Available in moodle.

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Learning outcomes

Participants will improve tehir language and communication skills, build intercultural competence, and strengthen their autonomous learning strategies through collaborative learning and reflective writing. 

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)

Registration requirements

The course has limited capacity based on offer and demand. We cannot guarantee finding a partner to everyone. 

Last update: Převrátilová Silvie, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (23.01.2025)