English Professional Skills (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Student can both orally and in writing communicate using the right style and register in different contexts:
- Describing his/her studies and professional field of work
- Professional texts and news in various media, vocabulary
- Career orientation, incl. professional job application, LinkedIn profile, email cover letter and participating in a job interview
- Meetings and negotiations, networking and business socializing, professional email message
- Giving oral presentation, pitching

Objective

Upon completing the course, the students should have acquired skills to

* communicate at level B2 (CEFRL) both in speaking and in writing
* use appropriate style and register for communication
* produce clear, coherent and well-structured texts, e.g., emails, reports
* present detailed descriptions related to their field of study
* express and exchange opinions using fluent language
* read longer articles and reports

Content

The aim of the course is to develop and deepen the students’ field-relevant English language and communication skills, as well as guide in the self-evaluation of skills.

Materials

Provided on course workspace for each study module

Teaching methods

The methods include
* task-based activities,
* individual research and reflection,
* interactive campus meetings,
* team discussions,
* video and reading materials.

Exam schedules

No exam as the course is task-based and assessed based on successful completion of required assignments and participation in online and campus workshops. Student can re-attempt the course by completing other missing parts of the course within one month of the course end.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Flipped learning
Work-life oriented learning assignments
Independent and small group study
Task-based assessment

Sustainability will be included in various course materials for reading and discussions.

Completion alternatives

Similar Business English courses in other HEI's
Accreditation of prior learning is possible, please contact the teacher before the course starts for instructions. If the accreditation submission fulfils the assessment criteria, student can attain the credits. If the submission does not meet the criteria, student joins the course.

Student workload

135 hours of student work in total; 5 modules; each includes study materials and practical activities and assignments:

1. Describing the student's studies and professional field of work 20h
2. Professional texts and news in various media, vocabulary 25h
3. Career orientation, incl. professional job application, LinkedIn profile, email cover letter and participating in a job interview 30h
4. Meetings and negotiations, networking and business socializing 30h
5. Pitching and presenting information 30h

Evaluation methods and criteria

Description of own studies and work; peer and self evaluation

Assignments and type of feedback/evaluation:
-Professional presentation; self, peer and teacher evaluation
-Analysis of professional text and vocabulary; self and teacher evaluation
-CV, email cover letter, Linkedin profile, job interview practice; teacher and peer evaluation
-Team meeting; peer and teacher evaluation
-Product pitch; peer and self evaluation

Assessment:
Completion of five course modules and assignments (50%)
Participation in online and campus meetings and activities (40%)
Peer feedback and self-evaluation (10%)

Failed (0)

Student does not complete required course assignments that show competence in course topics, does not participate in the online meetings to showcase competence in course topics or take an active part in the course to share expertise and learn from others.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student shows some ability to communicate in situations requiring business communication skills. The student participates in class sessions but does not share or complete peer evaluation in the learning process. The student completes all the assignments but they may be of poorer standard in terms of language, communication or finishing. The self-evaluation may be lacking in terms of substance or reflection.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student demonstrates good ability to communicate in various oral and written business contexts. The student participates actively in class sessions and peer evaluation to share and learn from others. The student completes all assignments and self-evaluation as required to a good standard.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to communicate professionally in different business situations. The student shows ability to adapt and adjust his/her communication style and react even in more demanding communicative situations. The student participates actively in class sessions and peer evaluation to share and learn from others. The student completes all assignments and self-evaluation as required to an excellent standard.