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.
The course deals with the theme of sustainable development in discussing presenting, reading articles about general concepts ( e.g. green IT, energy efficiency), technologies & strategies (such as cloud computing, virtualization); social & ethical issues ( e.g. data privacy, digital divide, inclusive access)

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, the student submits a video and a written report showcasing expertise in oral and written workplace communication and professional communication. The report must include concrete examples of workplace communication (e.g. meetings, negotiations, written reports, instructions, emails, and so on). If the submission fulfills the assessment criteria, the student can attain the credits. If the submission does not meet the criteria, the 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 same level (higher education)) educational institution within the last 5 years. The student will also need to provide an official transcript and course content description. Please note that this method of attainment does not apply to Open Path students

Student workload

classroom activities: 28 h
individual work: 45 h
pairwork work: 30 h
group work: 27h

Content scheduling

September – December 2024
1. Before you start
2. Introducing yourself & studies
3. Emails
4. Presentations
5. Reporting
6. Meetings
7. End of course evaluation

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The students need to physically attend and complete all the tasks/assignments within the deadlines in order to pass the course because this improves the student's ability to track their own learning, receive continuous feedback, and provide ongoing evidence of their skill development throughout the course.

Assessment criteria, fail (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. The student has a high percentage (over 15% of similarity in written assignments)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has completed the tasks with the minimum of set requirements which are outlined by the teacher 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.