English Professional Skills, B2 (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Online-tapaamiset
11.9. klo 13.30-16.00
18.9. klo 13.30-16.00
25.9. klo 13.30-16.00
2.10. klo 13.30-16.00
9.10. klo 13.30-16.00

https://utu.zoom.us/j/67225569913
Meeting ID: 672 2556 9913

Session 1:
- Introductions
- Housekeeping, course requirements, syllabus
- Portfolio instructions
- Video presentation instructions
- Course assignments + due dates
- Assignment: Evaluating language skills, setting learning goals, professional profile

Session 2:
- Foreign language listening strategies
- Listening comprehension task(s) + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Field-related podcast + written critique
Session 3:
- Reading strategies
- Peer reading (articles to be announced) + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Article + written/oral critique/opinion

Session 4:
- Writing conventions and tips, process writing
- Types of texts commonly needed in the profession
- Thematic discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: (Peer) writing on chosen topic and chosen text type
Session 5:
- Oral presentations: structure and tips
- Oral presentation examples + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Short video presentation on chosen topic

Objective

The aim of the course is to activate and develop the students’ field-relevant English language and communication skills. The students will gain professional skills in various spoken and written communicative situations encountered in working life and society. In addition, they will learn to utilize tools and techniques to further develop their skills in authentic, field-specific contexts. More specifically, students will focus on developing their language and communication skills in.
Upon completing the course, the students should have acquired skills to communicate at level B2 according to European Framework of Reference for Languages, which states that at B2-level students should be able to produce clear, coherent and well-structured texts, present detailed descriptions related to one’s field of interest, express and exchange opinions using fluent language, follow complex arguments, and read longer articles and reports.

Content

- writing professional, field-specific texts
- presenting and discussing field-specific topics in a professional manner
- reading field-specific texts and utilizing the information in professional contexts
- learning and using key terminology of their field
- becoming professional, autonomous language users in working life

Materials

The instructor will provide most of the learning materials, and therefore students do not need to purchase any. For some of the tasks, students will be requested to search for various materials to support their writing, reading and presentations.

Teaching methods

Listening, reading and writing exercises, video presentation, thematic discussions, online tasks.

Exam schedules

This course does not require students to take a test. Rather, students will submit a portfolio of the various tasks completed during the course, including video and reflections.
Due date: 22.10.2023 (music and dance), 10.12.2023 (circus and theater)

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Digital learning, peer learning, self-regulated learning, feedback, process learning

Student workload

Three credits are equivalent to 81 hours of study.
• Online lessons and assignments: 26 hours
• Video presentations and preparation: 15 hours
• Online tasks, portfolio and independent study: 40 hours

Evaluation methods and criteria

Evaluation will be based on active participation during the online sessions, focused completion of the assignments and the portfolio.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The portfolio does not contain all the required components. The required texts are satisfactory in content but contain few sources of information, and the student uses very basic language and professional terminology. The text lacks coherence. The student can discuss their profession on a basic level, although their speech may be difficult to understand at times due to insufficient pronunciation and errors in structure. The student’s listening comprehension skills are insufficient for forming a coherent understanding of what was spoken.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The portfolio contains all the required components. The required texts are rather fluent, clear and coherent with some errors in structure. The student uses a sufficient number of sources and is competent in using professional terminology. The student can discuss their profession well, although they may need to “search for words” at times. Their pronunciation is good, and they are able to discuss a variety of professional topics logically. Their interaction during discussion is natural and although their speech may contain errors, it does not prevent the listener from understanding. The student’s listening comprehension skills are sufficient for forming a clear understanding of what was spoken.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The portfolio contains all the required components, and the student has clearly put a lot of effort into making it. Their texts are well written, clear and fluent. They offer a new perspective on the chosen topic and contain few structural errors. The student uses higher-level professional terminology with ease, and their use of English is idiomatic. The student is able to discuss a variety of professional topics with ease and uses idiomatic, coherent language. Interaction with other interlocutors is smooth and natural. Their speech is structurally varied, and they can use professional terminology without being at a loss for words. They use appropriate gestures to support their speech. The student’s listening comprehension skills are excellent, and they have no trouble understanding what was spoken.

Further information

Learning platform, email and individual consultation as needed