Study Guide

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 the field
- becoming professional, autonomous language users in working life

Materials

teacher’s own and web-based material

Teaching methods

teacher-directed classroom activities, independent work, pair work, group work, project work, online activities (quizzes, meetings)

Exam schedules

No exam. There is continuous assessment.

International connections

The contents and the assessed outputs of the course are designed to provide the students with English language communication skills they need in working life especially when working in projects. Examples include producing instructions and reports, organizing physical and online meetings and producing the relevant documents and emails, collaborative writing and presentation of results. In addition, the students have to complete tasks individually, in pairs and as a group which enhances their communication and interpersonal skills. The assessment is continuous and teacher and peer assessment is provided after the completion of each task.

Completion alternatives

A: The student can complete the English Professional Skills B2 (5ECTS) and complete Accreditation of Prior Learning based on Competence (not transfer of credits):
Within two weeks since the course start, student submits a video and a written report showcasing expertise in oral and written work place communication and professional communication. The report must include concrete examples of work place communication (e.g. meetings, negotiations, written reports, instructions, emails and so on). If the submission fulfils the assessment criteria, student can attain the credits. If the submission does not meet the criteria, student joins the course.
B: The student can complete the English Professional Skills B2 (5ECTS) and complete Transfer of Credits within the first two weeks of the course if the student has completed a course with the same credits and similar content at a samel level (higher education)) educational institution within the last 5 years. The student will also need to provide an official transcript and course content description.

Student workload

classroom activities: 35 h
individual work: 45 h
pairwork work: 30 h
group work: 20h

Content scheduling

September – December 2020
Theme 1: Studies and professional profile (w 36 - 38)
Theme 2: Workplace communication (w39 - 50)
Theme 3: Technical writing (w43 – 46)
Theme 4: Giving and writing instructions (w47 – 48)
Theme 5: Meetings (w49 - 50)

Further information

The first class on Mon 31 Aug takes place in ICT City
The remaining classes will be online
Group 1 : https://turkuamk.zoom.us/j/64416034103
Group 2: https://turkuamk.zoom.us/j/63972912167
Please note that
1. a waiting room will be enabled
2. use your full name
3. No class in week 42
4. It would be professional if you used a recent profile picture of you in your avatar.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The student needs to complete all the tasks/ assignments in order to pass the course.

The student needs to collect at least 50% of the graded assignments to pass with grade 1.

grade 1: 51- 60%

grade 2: 61 - 70 %

grade 3: 71 - 80 %

grade 4: 81 - 90 %

grade 5: 91 - 100 %

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

The student has insufficient attendance (has been absent in more than 4 classes or if activity in the course in Itslearning below average) . The student has not completed all the tasks. The student has completed tasks but they are not of acceptable standard.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has completed the tasks with the minimum of set requirements which are outlined by the teachers and are listed in the task instructions. The student has completed tasks later than the given deadlines. The student has not addressed feedback provided by the teacher. The student has been superficially reflecting on his/her own performance and has been late or reluctant to give peer feedback.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has completed the tasks well fulfilling most of the set requirements which are outlined by the teachers and are listed in the task instructions. The student has completed tasks within the given deadlines. The student has partly addressed feedback provided by the teacher. The student has been reflecting on his/her own performance and has been giving peer feedback.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has completed the tasks very well fulfilling or surpassing the set requirements which are outlined by the teachers and are listed in the task instructions. The student has completed tasks within the given deadlines or earlier and has addressed well feedback provided by the teacher. The student has been critically reflecting on his/her own performance and has been giving quality peer feedback.