Abstract:

TANGO consists of two websites, both of them bilingual. One site hosts the Spanish and English tasks, and the other is the online portfolio where students publish their work. Tasks in both languages mirror one another, dealing with the same topics. However, they are very specific of each language and culture.

Using TANGO our students in York practised and learnt Spanish while they discovered Asturias, the Spanish Northern region where I am from, they learnt about its main cities and their traditions, were introduced to Spanish political geography, learnt about Spanish food, pop and alternative music, hobbies, art, film, literature and festivals, etc. Similarly, in return, students in Oviedo discovered Yorkshire and its cities, British political geography, traditions, etc.

Students in both countries following the themes presented in each task, studied and researched a variety of topics, as well as being exposed to new vocabulary and expressions. These new expressions and vocabulary were highlighted using hyperlinks which helped the students discover more about their meaning, and how to use them appropriately. They discussed what they had discovered with their partners and shared opinions and experiences. Furthermore, they helped one another clarifying any issues they encountered in a student led learning partnership.

TANGO is an online platform to further language study following a communicative approach. A series of tasks especially designed for foreign language students, helps them learn about topics related to their syllabus, from both a grammatical and a thematic point of view. Students use the target language in context to learn more about each task; they read, watch and listen to videos. They learn from one another by actively researching and discussing each topic. Students discover each one’s countries and culture, their similarities and differences, and using their online portfolios they share and display a diversity of personalities, interests and knowledge using a range of new media skills.

TANGO enables students to become independent learners helping them develop invaluable skills for their future professional careers: they learn how to work and interact with students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, acknowledging diversity and practicing respect for one another; they learn how to plan and arrange meetings and autonomous work; they use different types of documents and platforms; they read, talk, listen and write in a foreign language; they develop critical thinking; they experience and use digital technology; they become editors and publishers; and, they develop and inquisitive mind to keep on discovering the endless possibilities and knowledge available.

Towards the end of October, at the LFA student event celebrated in Central Hall (University of York), I spoke to one of my students involved in the pilot. He is still in contact with his TANGO partner. Both of them still discuss and learn Spanish and English language and culture.

TANGO is an international tool to expand and share knowledge and good practice enhancing our students’ learning experience. Extending TANGO’s outreach would be a very smart way to develop links between our partner universities, enriching the experiences of visiting staff and international students.

“El tango se baila a dos” ≈“It takes two to tango”

Keywords:

Engagement & motivation, working partnerships, online portfolios, language and culture, guidelines, new media, independent learning, respect, critical thinking.