The TANDEM project has created, tested and finalized resources for migrants and/or volunteer language teachers who would like to use a new, communicative method to teach languages inspired by Task-Based Language Teaching.
European research shows that local and migrant adults in Europe lack essential competences such as literary skills, multilinguistic skills and digital skills which are important for employment and social inclusion. In fact, the European Commission has published in 2019 the Key competences for lifelong learning in which literacy, multilinguistic and digital competences are underlined as very important and according to the TANDEM project, can be improved through language teaching and learning. Therefore, the TANDEM consortium has created a complete learning opportunity for migrants who want to teach their language to other adults, using the method of Task-based Language Teaching, and developing digital and intercultural awareness skills. Moreover, it was for many an opportunity to learn a new language or new things about a different culture.
It showed during the initial research of the project, that migrants are often multilingual, are more open to other cultures and have developed more intercultural skills then local adults in the partner countries. TANDEM aims to use this advantage to increase the employability and key competences of migrant, by offering them an innovative and non-formal learning opportunity in which migrants are encouraged to use their existing linguistic capabilities and turn them into an employment possibility as language teacher, while promoting intercultural exchanges and peer-learning with local adults.
The project was initially focussed mainly on migrants who wanted to teach their language; however, we have also received many positive reactions from other (volunteer) language teachers and school teachers. Local adults have been participating in the project through the free language learning events, especially the language exchanges or language cafés, in which migrants and local adults have exchanged cultures and languages.
After 34 months, the project has reached its ending but continues to promote the linguistic competences of migrants and their potential as language teachers through the various outputs that have been created throughout the years. All the resources are accessible on the project website, in English, Italian, German and Greek. This includes the following resources:
- The interactive maps on linguistic diversity – 10 maps show the results of the research on linguistic and key competences of migrants and locals in the partner countries, including digital skills and cultural awareness.
- The open textbook on Task-Based Language Teaching – a textbook with the theoretical background of the Task-Based Language Teaching methodology, example exercises, tools and guidelines for teachers and non-teachers who want to use the methodology.
- The MOOC on Task-Based Language Teaching – an online course with 5 modules for who is interested in learning more about TBLT and want to use it for language teaching, including the basics of the methodology, digital skills necessary for language teaching, information about the creation of materials based on your students’ level and interest, practical activities and guidelines to implement TBLT in the classroom, and theory and exercises for evaluation of students in a language class. The course is open to everyone, but registration is necessary in order to do the activities and receive the certificate. Registration is free and can be done by writing an email to vidjaya.thelen@danilodolci.org.
- Guidelines for cultural and linguistic exchanges – a document that gives practical tips and guidelines for the implementation of cultural and linguistic exchanges between migrants and locals, inspired by the TBLT method and with special attention to the cultural sensitivities of mixed groups.
- A framework on monitoring, assessment and validation – a framework to be used to create upscaling pathways for adults, including guidelines for transferability, rubrics, badge system and certificates.
TANDEM is a 34-month project funded by the Erasmus+ programme: Key Action 2 – Strategic Partnerships in Adult Education.
Partners
- Coordinator: Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo “Danilo Dolci” – Italy
- Active Citizens Partnership – Greece
- COMPASS – Austria
- CSI Center for Social Innovation LTD – Cyprus
- Iberika Education Group GGMBH – Germany
To keep up to date with the project or if you want to be involved, please check our website, the Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter by writing an email to vidjaya.thelen@danilodolci.org.