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Course of the program

After the registration is closed, we will try to find a matching tandem partner for you. If this is successful, you can start the program at the beginning of the semester.

Core Components for all Participants

At the beginning of the semester, we will offer an information session, where you will meet your tandem partner and the other participants. You will also need to take part in a one-time introductory session at the University Language Center (ZFA) where you will learn more about the main principles of tandem language learning and how to use the Tandem portfolio and further resources.

Throughout the semester, you will meet with your tandem partner on a regular basis (ideally once per week) for individual tandem sessions (at least 13 sessions of about 90 minutes each) which you are required to plan and organize by yourself. In the accompanying moodle course, we give you access to additional material for successful tandem language learning. During the whole time, you need to keep record of your sessions in your Tandem portfolio.

Around the middle of the semester there will be a reflection session where all participants get together in order to reflect on their progress in the tandem and their personal learning experience so far.

Further components and requirements depend on whether you intend to obtain a confirmation of participation or credit points. Which components are mandatory for each case is outlined in the following sections and, in detail, in the module description (CP-option) and syllabus (certificate option) respectively.

 

Credit options


In addition to participation in the above mentioned mandatory sessions, you can optionally register for an individual tandem coaching in which you define your individual learning objectives and plan your tandem – the best time for the coaching is after two or three meetings with your tandem partner. Equally optional is a final coaching at the end of the semester.

At the end of the semester, you will submit a final report in which you reflect on the tandem and assess your individual learning outcomes based on guiding questions. (Please refer to the Tandem-Portfolio on Moodle for details.)

The detailed schedule of the certificate option is available in the section Registration and Downloads.

Notes on Confirmation of Participation (Tandem.MINT Certificate)

  • A confirmation of participation (Tandem.MINT-Certificate) will be issued on condition that all obligatory components of the program are fulfilled. Confirmation of participation for each component as well as the final report are to be submitted in due time until the end of the semester to the project coordinators.
  • In the certificate, the period of participation in the program, the foreign language practiced in the tandem, and an overall description of the program components and objectives will be attested. The certificate does not contain any assessment of performance or language proficiency.
  • In case you would like to obtain credit points (CP) for participating in the program, the specifications and requirements of the module description for the CP-option apply.

In addition to participation in the above mentioned mandatory session  you will use the Tandem Portfolio throughout the semester, to document and reflect on your tandem language learning. The completed portfolio must be submitted at the end of the semester. The portfolio work includes defining the objectives of the tandem partnership, regular documentation and evaluation of the tandem sessions (of at least 5 representative sessions for 3 CP, all sessions for 5 CP), and an annotated compilation of samples from the tandem partnership (e.g. texts, notes, vocabulary development, online research, project work). You will receive your copy of the Tandem Portfolio in the introductory session, along with further explanations. For 5 CP you also need to hand in three audio or video reports on you tandem objectives, your experience at the language café or the writing center, and an elaboration on a learning activity related to the foreign language.

The detailed module description for the CP option is available in the section Registration and Downloads.

Notes on Credit Points

  • Provided that all components comprised in this module description are completed in due time, we will certify 3 or 5 credit points (CP) for participation in the Tandem.MINT program.
  • Whether you can get credit for the program in a degree program of the Ruhr-Universität (e.g. elective modules) depends on the individual examination regulations and on the decision of the responsible examination board of the respective department. The student himself / herself is responsible for checking with the respective course counsellors and examination board on the transferability of credits.
  • In Tandem.MINT, no graded exam will take place. Likewise, an assessment of performance or language proficiency level is not possible.

Contact

Julia Salzinger

IC 03/525
Tel.: +49 (0)234 / 32-26971
tandem-mint@rub.de
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Office hour: by arrangement