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

Materials

- Materials shared by the teacher.
- Materials searched from the web by the students.
- Materials produced by the students themselves.
- All materials will be available in the Itslearning learning environment. - No costs for the student.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face teaching (online teaching when needed), tasks done in class, independent work, pair/group work

International connections

- Work-life-oriented learning objectives and material
- Digital learning
- Independent work
- Group work and team learning
- Flipped learning
- Self-reflection
- Peer review

Student workload

3cr = 81h

Content scheduling

The aim of this course is to activate and develop the students’ field-relevant English language and communication skills. The students gain professional skills in various spoken and written communicative situations encountered in working life and society. In addition, they learn to utilize tools and techniques to further develop their skills in authentic, field-specific contexts.


Upon completing the course, the students have acquired sufficient skills to communicate at level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages, which states that at level B2, students should be able to produce clear, coherent, and well-structured texts, present detailed descriptions related to their field of interest, express and exchange opinions using fluent language, follow complex argumentation, and read longer articles and reports.

- 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

Course topics:
• Personal learning goals and needs, language level, and professional profile
• Field-related topics such as the Finnish Health care system
• Reading and summarizing field-related material
• Professional vocabulary
• Self-reflection

- Group A 27.08.2024 10.30 – 14.30 ICT_C2025
Group B 29.8.2024 08.00-11.30 ICT_C2025
Lesson 1 – Course introduction + self-assessment

- 04.09.2024 09.30 - 13.30 EDU_2006_2007
Lesson 2 – Vocabulary building + Reading strategies

- 17.09.2024 09.00 - 13.00 ICT_C2025
Lesson 3 – Oral skills + professional language

- 25.09.2024 12.30 - 16.00 EDU_2027
Lesson 4 – Presentations

- 09.10.2024 13.00–15.00 EDU_2004 Exam

Further information

- Itslearning

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is graded on a scale of 0-5:

Course performances are scored, which will form the overall course grade. Both oral and written performances affect the grade. Some evaluated tasks are performed on campus, and some as independent work alone or in a group; see Itslearning for more detailed criteria.

Evaluation and feedback: Teacher’s feedback, task-specific points, self-reflection, peer feedback.

The course grade comprises as follows:
Compulsory attendance 75% No substitute tasks.
Exam: 30% - grading 0 to 5
Presentation: 30% - grading 0 to 5
Recording: 20% - PASS/FAIL
The remaining 20% are active in class participation and completing the assignments.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

The student does not pass the course or has not completed the course tasks according to the instructions (e.g., use of artificial intelligence against the instructions). Course tasks are unreturned, or the course performance is incomplete.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Handling different topics in English in various professional situations is relatively narrow and one-sided. The produced text responds to the task inadequately and does not have a logical flow to it. The text contains some difficult-to-understand points. The language is satisfactory. Language use contains some structures and basic vocabulary; however, there are errors in their use. The student can speak moderately about the central topics of their field. The speech is not always easy to follow. There may be significant deficiencies in coherence and interaction. The language is quite simple and hesitant. However, the student can convey the message, even though errors in structure and pronunciation sometimes hinder understanding. There may be deficiencies in language positivity and course activity. The course tasks have been completed satisfactorily.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Handling the topic in English is versatile and, for the most part, corresponds to the given task in various professional situations. The language is structurally clear and logical. Oral and written output is fluent and clear. Structures and professional vocabulary are well-mastered. Some errors may occur. The student understands the English-language material of their field. Speech is logical and consistent. Interaction and reaction are mostly fluent and clear. The handling of the topic corresponds to the task and is suitable for different professional situations. The text proceeds moderately logically. Style errors may occur. Errors may occur in the most demanding structures and expressions. The student can speak well about various topics in their own field. The speech is easy to follow. The language is fluent, although some breaks and pronunciation errors may occur. In general, a language-positive attitude and active participation. There are no deficiencies in the course performance, and the tasks are done well.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Handling the topic in English is versatile and skilled, fully responding to the task in various professional situations. The text is structurally very clear and logical. Transitions are cohesively smooth. The student can convey the message naturally with an appropriate style. The language is very fluent and versatile. Structures are varied, and the professional vocabulary is extensive. Occasional errors may occur in the most demanding structures and expressions. The student can speak excellently about various topics in their own field. Speech is purposeful, very consistent, on-point, and logical. Transitions from one topic to another are very smooth. Interaction is very skilled, and non-verbal communication effectively supports speech. Language (speech, pronunciation, and intonation) is fluent, clear, precise, and normally paced. The course performance shows activity and language positivity, and the tasks have been performed excellently.