Application of tandem learning as a method for the evaluation of communication skills in foreign language learning at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

ENThe tandem learning technique is one of the foreign language learning techniques that especially motivate students for communication skill improvement. For this reason, the adapted version of this technique is included into the cumulative evaluation formula of the Professional Lithuanian as a Foreign Language program as one of the components of (self-)assessment. The classes are organized on the university (the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU)) and the inter-university (Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) and Klaipėda University (KU)) levels, taking into consideration the main criterion – the level of the students’ foreign language skills. This paper focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of experimental groups that apply some components of tandem learning not only as an additional fun alternative to some conventional foreign language learning techniques, but also as compulsory (self-)assessment of language skills involving at least four methods.