Optimización del proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras mediante el intercambio lingüístico e intercultural

Abstract

In the context of foreign language teaching/learning, linguistic and intercultural exchange can be fostered by the tandem method. This study explores the concept of learning in tandem within the Innovative Teaching Project e-TándemUVa, based on the exchange between university students at the University of Valladolid interested in practising English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese, with students from more than twenty foreign universities learning Spanish. The results of the Project highlight the positive value of the exchange for the participants, who maintain that working with a partner in tandem has helped them to improve their communication skills, especially oral expression. The students also highlight that the exchange has been a great opportunity to improve their knowledge of the culture they are learning and to motivate them and increase their interest in that language and culture.