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 presentation material and internet resources

Teaching methods

Interactive workshops. Students are encouraged to participate as actively as possible in discussion and set tasks drawing from their own ideas, opinions and experiences.

Exam schedules

There is no exam for this course.

International connections

The content of the course is designed to enhance overall English language communication skills. Examples include the ability to form relationships, present, support and defend own ideas and opinions, decide on appropriate forms of communication for different situations and demonstrate an ability to use different digital tools for effective communication. Students will complete tasks individually, in pairs and groups to enhance communication and interpersonal skills and reflect the reality of working life.

Completion alternatives

None

Student workload

Classroom activities: 28 h
Individual work: 45 h
Pair and group work: 57 h

Content scheduling

You will primarily focus on practical spoken communication skills with an emphasis on how English is used in real world working life situations. During the autumn the following areas will be addressed:

Breaking the ice
CVs and Linkedin
Email and other forms of digital communication
Team Presentation
Elevator Pitch
Team based problem solving projects

N.B. Teacher reserves the right to make changes to the above as required.

Further information

Emphasis is very much placed on clear, unambiguous and understandable communication. You will not be downgraded for grammatical, word order or other errors that do not interfere with overall understanding. Although emphasis in class is placed on spoken communication not everyone is a natural orator. You will not be marked down for a lack of fluency - effort and willingness to try are enough.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is a combination of teacher observation of student commitment, effort and engagement during lessons together with the standard of 4 submitted task based assignments. Students will be assessed on overall communicative competence and language appropriacy within specific communication contexts.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Failed (0)
The student has insufficient attendance (has been absent in more than 4 classes). The student has not completed all the tasks. The student has completed tasks but they are not of an acceptable standard.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has completed the tasks with the minimum of set requirements stated in the task instructions. The student has completed tasks later than the given deadlines. The student has not addressed feedback provided by the teacher.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has completed the tasks well fulfilling most of the set requirements stated 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 reflected on their own performance and has been given peer feedback.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has completed the tasks very well fulfilling or surpassing the set requirements as stated in the task instructions. The student has completed tasks within the given deadlines or earlier and has addressed feedback provided by the teacher. The student has been giving quality peer feedback.