English Professional Skills, B2 (3cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

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.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Present and discuss field-specific topics using appropriate professional language
- Read and interpret field-related texts, applying the information in relevant contexts
- Use key terminology accurately and appropriately
- Function as autonomous and professional language users in workplace settings

Course topics:
- Personal learning goals, language level, and professional identity
- Reading and reflecting on field-related articles
- Field-specific vocabulary
- Field-specific texts and discussions
- Oral presentation skills
- Communication in professional settings
- Self-assessment and reflection

24.09.2025 13.00 - 16.00, LEM_A312 Lesson 1 – Course introduction + self-assessment
02.10.2025 08.30 - 11.30, LEM_A317 Lesson 2 – Reading strategies
08.10.2025 08.30 - 11.30, EDU_3004 Lesson 3 – Vocabulary building
15.10.2025 08.30 - 11.30, EDU_2003 Lesson 4 – Basics of presenting
22.10.2025 08.30 - 11.30, EDU_2003 Lesson 5 – Professional language
06.11.2025 09.00 - 11.30, ICT_C2046 Lesson 6 – Presentations
13.11.2025 13.00 - 15.00, ICT_B2043 EXAM

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 material costs for the student.

Teaching methods

Contact teaching (online teaching only when needed), tasks done in class, independent work, pair/group work

Exam schedules

13.11.2025 13.00 - 15.00, ICT_B2043

An opportunity to retake the exam will be provided if necessary.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Enhancing skills in the following areas: work-oriented communication, digital learning, teamwork, reflection, self-assessment, and sustainable development (theme incorporated within the course material).

- Work-life-oriented learning objectives and material
- Digital learning
- Independent work
- Group work and team learning
- Flipped learning
- Self-reflection
- Peer review
- Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to understand learning materials and instructions, and in certain learning tasks to a limited extent. Detailed instructions will be provided with the tasks.

Completion alternatives

There are no optional completion methods.

Student workload

Student Workload 3 ECTS / Approx. 81 Hours

- Lessons and homework: 20 hours
- Oral presentation preparation and presentation: 15 hours
- Written exam and preparation: 30 hours
- Learning assignments on Itslearning: 16 hours

Evaluation methods and criteria

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

The course grade is constructed as follows:
- Compulsory attendance 75%. No substitute tasks.
- Exam: 50% - grading 0 to 5
- Recording: 25% - grading 0 to 5
- Presentation: 25% - grading 0 to 5

Additionally, there are some non-assessed homework assignments to support learning.
Feedback and assessment: teacher's feedback, peer feedback, self-assessment.
All coursework must be completed and passed.

Late submission may lower the grade.
Tasks requiring students' oral and written production for assessment cannot be completed using AI.

Failed (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 (AI) 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 significant 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.

Further information

kim.vo@turkuamk.fi