Tandem Learning
Tandem learning is a language learning method, which enables two people with different mother tongues to learn the other’s language in an autonomous and collaborative manner. The program also encourages the tandem partners to ask questions that will foster a deeper mutual understanding of and respect for the differences between each other’s cultural backgrounds.
- You are a student or employee at TUM?
- You have basic knowledge of the foreign language you would like to learn?
- You have native speaker fluency in the language you offer?
In the TUMtandem program we will find a tandem partner for you within TUM.
TUMtandem partnerships are possible with every language offered at the TUM Language Center. Go to overview
Registration
Registration period: October 1 until November 3, 2024
Tandem partners will be announced November 4!
Our Tutorial explains, how the registration works. Registration link to matorixmatch: https://tumtandem.matorixmatch.de/
For Tandem partnerships with German and one of the following languages the lecturers from these language departments will supervise and give you suggestions for topics and activities on the learning platform www.moodle.tum.de:
Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish
More information about the program will be provided to you at the end of the registration due date. At the end of the semester, you will receive a Moodle certificate if you write about your experience and answer a survey about the program. No ECTS will be given.
For all other languages: you will only receive an e-mail with contact details and further information if we find someone for you. The tandems will receive supporting materials to help them carry out their tandem independently.
Until the end of the registration due date, you can change your data or withdraw your application.
How the registration works: Tutorial
At the end of the registration due date, the matching will be carried out and you will be notified via email.
In order to support the learning process, we will provide you with suggestions for topics, ideas on types of exercise as well as advice on how to correct each other appropriately.
How does a tandem meeting typically work?
You should meet your tandem partner regularly. The tandem sessions should either take place online (e.g. via Zoom) or in person, though observing the applicable distance and hygiene rules.
It is important that in every session the languages are practiced separately for a predetermined amount of time so that you benefit equally from your tandem partnership (e.g. in a 90 minute meeting 45 minutes per language).
In order for your meetings to be successful, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Arrange regular meetings and keep the appointments
- At the beginning of your tandem partnership, define your individual learning goals and consider how you can achieve them
- After each session, take a moment to discuss how you would like to proceed in the next session
- Before each meeting, the tandem partners prepare topics and exercises in their non-native languages based on their interests and learning goals
- Don’t forget to plan some time for the follow-up after and especially the preparations before the meetings.
Language tandems with partner universities
Image: Rosane Werkhausen
In some language areas, we offer tandem programs where you can engage in language exchange with students from a partner university.
This type of tandem can be integrated into a language course and/or be tied to a specific level.
The tandems create authentic speaking opportunities and provide the chance to exchange ideas about shared specialized interests and form relationships with people from different countries. This way, one can not only learn the language but also experience the culture of the partner country firsthand, and, for example, prepare for a stay abroad.
| China | Tsinghua SIGS and Taiwan Tech | More information |
| Brazil | UNESP – UFFS – UFRGS – UFPel | More information |
| England | University of Cambridge | More information |
| Japan | University Tokyo | More information |
| Mexico | Language Center ENALLT, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México | More information |
| Sweden | KTH Language and Communication Royal Institute of Technology | More information |
Language tandems with partner universities are organized by the respective department head. Go to overview.
Contact
Please note E-mail-etiquette
and use your TUM-E-mail-address,
so we can better spot your E-mails.