Finnish 3 (intermediate level B1) (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The objective of the course is to give the student basic knowledge in Finnish language at the CEFR level B1.
The student is able to maintain interaction in quite a wide range of communication situations. The student is able to communicate familiar things and to express oneself also in some unforeseen situations.

After passing the course the student is able to
- understand clearly spoken common language when the subject relates to familiar things such as work, school or leisure
- discuss topics that he/she is interested in and topics that are related to everyday life and current affairs
- describe experiences and events, as well as dreams and goals
- justify and explain, at least briefly, his/her own opinions and plans
- write unified text on familiar topics e.g. in letters, stories and messages
- use a fairly wide everyday vocabulary and some common phrases and idioms.

Objective

The objective of the course is to give the student intermediate level knowledge in Finnish language at the CEFR level B1.
The student is able to maintain interaction in quite a wide range of communication situations. The student is able to communicate familiar things and to express oneself also in some unforeseen situations.

Content

After passing the course the student is able to
- understand clearly spoken common language when the subject relates to familiar things such as work, school or leisure
- discuss topics that he/she is interested in and topics that are related to everyday life and current affairs
- describe experiences and events, as well as dreams and goals
- justify and explain, at least briefly, his/her own opinions and plans
- write unified text on familiar topics e.g. in letters, stories and messages
- use a fairly wide everyday vocabulary and some common phrases and idioms

Materials

To participate in the course student must have completed Finnish as a Second Language 2 (A2).

Material and links provided by teacher in Itslearning course platform
Book: Gehring, Sonja & Heinzmann, Sanni. 2023. Suomen mestari 1 Uudistettu — Suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille. Otava.

Teaching methods

Students mainly work in an Itslearning environment and on various websites (e.g. FinnLectura online learning material). Students work both independently regardless of place and communally with the rest of the student group.

When you also use Finnish outside of class, your language skills will increase and strengthen. Active completion of our weekly exercises will lead you to the basics of Finnish.

Exam schedules

The completion of the course consists of partial assignments, the schedule of which will be announced during the first lecture of the course. To earn points from the assignments, the student must abide by the deadlines. Evaluated assignments require attendance.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

In-person lectures, working independently on Itslearning platform, group work, pair work.

The study also emphasizes communal learning, which materializes as as couples and small group work. The study group is international. The studies aim for a multidisciplinary familiarization with the Finnish language.

Student workload

Written and oral exercises in class and independently at home.
6 tasks to be assessed: 3 mini quizzes, 2 oral assignments and a written assignment.
5 credits translates roughly to 130 hours of student work, including lessons and independent work.

Evaluation methods and criteria

During the course, a total of six assessed assignments will be completed, through which students can accumulate points toward their final course grade. The assignments are as follows:

Grammar and vocabulary test
Three mini-tests will be held during the course, aimed at assessing the student's knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. From each test, students can earn 0–2 points toward their final course grade.

Conversation video
During the course, students will record one conversation video in small groups. From this video, students can earn 0–2 points toward their final course grade.

Written assignment
Students will complete one written assignment during the course, aimed at assessing their ability to construct sentences in Finnish. The written assignment allows students to earn 0–2 points toward their final course grade.

Group discussion
During the course, students will participate in a group discussion, intended to assess their skills in spoken interaction. From the group discussion, students can earn 0–2 points toward their final course grade.

In addition to the assessed assignments, students can earn up to 2 points based on the completion percentage of the weekly activity tasks carried out during the course.

Course grade is determined by the points earned as follows:

0-4 p. = 0
5-6 p. = 1
7-8 p = 2
9-10 p. = 3
11-12 p. = 4
13-14 p. = 5

Failed (0)

The student has not achieved the objectives of the course and has not done assignments. The student has participated in the group's study with little or no involvement. The student recognizes and can use only a few concepts in the course subject and does not know how to apply what they have learned. The student will not be able to take advantage of the feedback they receive.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course avoidably. The student recognizes and can use the concepts and language of the subject area of the course. He understands the prerequisites for the development of skills. Students are able to make limited use of the feedback they receive.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course well, although the knowledge and skills still need to be developed. The student is able to use the concepts and language of the subject area of the course well. Students are able to take advantage of the feedback they receive.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course commendably. The student has commendable mastery of the concepts of the subject area of the course. Students have the skills to apply what they have learned in studies and working life situations. The student is able to analyze the skills and language skills required in the field and studies and the development of their own skills. Students are able to take advantage of the feedback they receive.

Qualifications

Participation in the course requires at least proficiency level A2 in Finnish.

Further information

Communication for the course takes place on the ItsLearning platform. The course follows a 48-hour communication rule, which means that messages related to the course must be responded to within 48 hours of receiving them. This rule applies to both students and the teacher.