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 Centre (ZFA). Here you will learn more about the main principles of tandem language learning (e.g. learning strategies) and how to use the Tandem portfolio and further resources.
Throughout the semester, you will meet online on a regular basis (ideally once per week) with your tandem-partner 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 your 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.
Certificate-Option (Confirmation of Participation)
Optionally, you can 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.
Finally, 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 for details.)
The detailed schedule of the certificate-option is available in the section ⇒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 schedule 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.
CP-Option (3 Credit Points) (suspended for the time being!)
Additionally, you will take 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.
In addition, you will engage in another language practice activity at RUB: You can choose between a one-time participation in the Language Practice Meet-up (Sprachcafé) or a one-time participation in an individual consultation on academic writing or a mini-workshop on academic writing in a foreign language at the Writing Center (Schreibzentrum).
Throughout the semester, you use the Tandem-Portfolio 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), an annotated compilation of samples from the tandem partnership (e.g. texts, notes, vocabulary development, online research, project work) and an annotated subject-specific compilation of resources or a glossary of technical terms and specialist phrases. You will receive your copy of the Tandem-portfolio in the introductory session, along with further explanations.
In an individual final coaching at the end of the semester, you concludingly reflect on your learning process and review your Tandem-portfolio.
The detailed module description for the CP option is available in the section ⇒Downloads.
Notes on Credit Points (3 CP Option)
- Provided that all components comprised in this module description are completed in due time, the University Language Centre (Zentrum für Fremdsprachenausbildung, ZFA) will certify 3 credit points (CP) for participation in the Tandem.MINT-program.
- Whether the program can be given credit for within 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.
