Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific workplace situations both orally and in writing
- find, evaluate and use information effectively
- function collaboratively in international working environments.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Blended learning: every second week 4h of contact lessons, every second week - individual work.
Due to the current situation, we will have 2 full hours in Zoom every second week, until the situation changes.
Spoken and written assignments.There are three assignments that will be evaluated by the teacher with the grade 5 -0 (video summary, formal email, process description). Other assignments are evaluated on pass/ fail scale.

Timing and attendance

Attendance 80% of the contact lessons/ Zoom, regular and active participation during lessons. All compulsory assignments must be completed by the deadline.
The participation in the contact lesson during week 14 is evaluated, thus it is compulsory.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials are provided via Moodle.
Authentic articles, videos, podcasts are used as materials for the course.

Learning environment

Moodle.
The lessons are held in Zoom, if the situation allows - in Lappeenranta campus.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS course, which means about 108 hour of student's work.
Student's workload consists of studying theory, watching video materials, completing written and oral assignments: pass/ fail assignments as well as 3 assignments for teacher's evaluation; participating in contact/ Zoom lessons.

Contents

- managing job application processes (CV, video application, job interview);
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of the business field: the topics include working globally (cross-cultural collaboration in business), the world of business (entrepreneur, company, bank), digitalization); activities include participating in the meetings, discussions, problem-solving, information presentation;
- managing in written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and in the work-life: correct/appropriate use of language (grammar, formal vs. informal style)
- recognizing and applying the different sources and tools to help students improve their English skills: critical use of dictionaries and other resources

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework.

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation on the scale 5 - 0.

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak satisfactorily. Interaction is occasional. Speech lacks structuring, logic and cohesion almost totally. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is quite hesitant, pauses are rather long and pronunciation mistakes sometimes disturb the message. The student uses only a few basic structures and makes mistakes.

Written communication consists mostly of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Much of the text lacks logic and cohesive elements. The text is not in keeping with the genre- and/or style-specific conventions. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. There are considerable flaws in meeting the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak well and interacts with the speaking partner/audience. The student knows how to use ways of nonverbal communication. Speech is easy to follow but lacks cohesion in places. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent and clear but short pauses, hesitations and pronunciation mistakes may occur.

Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. The text is cohesive but minor flaws occur. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak extremely well. Interaction is very skillful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports the speech. Speech is target-oriented, very consistent, to the point and logical. Transitions are very smooth. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent, clear and accurate, and speech tempo is normal.

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, but makes occasional mistakes in the most advanced structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. The text is cohesive and transitions are smooth. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements.