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Not only is Tandem concerned with language comprehension and learning, but equally with cultural understanding and knowledge. Accordingly, a critical analysis of its competence must also examine this second ‘leg’. In fact, it turns out that Tandem aids a change of perspective, with comparison of one’s own and foreign points of view. This is also very helpful during translator training. Moreover, native speakers report an increase of awareness about their own language in the course of the Tandem. Therefore, it seems to be suitable as a ‘confidence booster’ in learning contexts.
== Getting started with Tandem learning ==
'''Considerations for 121 Tandem'''
With regard to the requirements and quality of the input, it is essential to give the following basic tools during the practical introduction to Tandem:
• [[meta-communication]] formulas in the foreign language, for the learner's role, and
• the most important explanation techniques in the first language, for the learning assistant's role.
'''Considerations for Group Tandem'''
Mediation with large numbers of participants, "cocktail mediation", in which many people form partnerships after an introduction to Tandem, has proved as effective as mediation via questionnaires and images. It can be recommended as a good way of finding learning partners, on the condition that for the remaining students the possibility of questionnaire mediation be made known before starting.
'''Criteria for ‘good’ Tandems'''
In another investigation, Tandem partners in Bolzano and Merano who had been learning for more than one year together, and can be seen accordingly as experts, were questioned about their experiences in order to infer criteria for ‘good’ Tandems. The results showed (in order of frequency, multiple answers possible):
* human understanding/sympathy
* common interests
* time availability
* punctuality/reliability
* consistency
* common aims
* initial support at the beginning of the experience
Several series of tandem handbooks have been published in many languages as a result of the [[European Union]] funded projects: Tandem and eTandem Handbooks and Teacher Guides<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Tandem/etandem/guides-en.html |title=eTandem Europa - Tandem handbooks and teacher guides - English |website=Slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de |date= |accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref>
*[[LINGUA]] project "International E-Mail Tandem Network" (1994–1996)
*[[Open and Distance Learning]] project "Telematics for Autonomous and Intercultural Tandem Learning" (1996–1999).
*[[LINGUA-D]] project "Tandem Language Learning Partnerships for Schools" (1998–2000)
== From tandem language learning to telecollaboration ==
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