Using the tandem-method in English language teaching for Developing intercultural competence

The article describes the main priorities of tandem method using in English language teaching as an alternative way of forming intercultural competence. Authors considered that this method is one of the most productive and effective. Its main aim is to learn the partner’s language and culture in a situation of real or virtual communication. This article presents the main peculiarities of studying in tandem. The main principles of this method are reciprocity and individual autonomy. Authors believe that the organization of learning in the bilingual environment based on the tandem method will contribute to the formation of intercultural and linguistic competences. In order to check this assumption, authors developed the algorithm of intercultural competence’s formation in bilingual environment based on the tandem method. The proposed algorithm was implemented on the basis of the Noncommercial training linguistic centre «Dialogue» (Michurinsk). Conducting experimental study with the use of the tandem method encouraged the growth of motivation and cognitive activity of students, improved the quality of knowledge, the formation of intercultural competence. The results revealed the effectiveness of using tandem-method. Despite emerging difficulties in understanding certain cultural characteristics, participants get an opportunity to learn how to become more tolerant and friendlier to each other, to express their thoughts and emotions. Ключевые слова: tandem, English language teaching, method, self-development, intercultural competence, bilingual environment