Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- recognise the different sources and tools to help them improve their English skills
- gain confidence and manage in written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and in the work life
- describe their education and qualifications
- understand the terminology and concepts of their own field

Implementation and methods of teaching

There are both contact lessons and independent working.

Timing and attendance

2 hours every week during the autumn term. 80 % attendance is required on this course.

Learning material and recommended literature

Online material in Moodle/Reppu and the Internet.

Alternative completion methods

If the student already meets the course objectives at an excellent level, it is possible to take an exemption exam (näyttökoe). The exam consists of a written part and an oral part, and it also covers the basic professional terminology of the study field.To pass, the student must get at least 80 % of the maximum score in the written part, and after that give a good oral presentation. A student may only attempt each exemption exam once; exemption exams may not be retaken.

Learning environment

In class and online

Student time use and work load

Student’s workload is 3 x 27 h.

Contents

The contents: education terminology; form and language of a semi-formal letter and CV; form and language of emails; what makes a good oral presentation and supporting graphics; how cultural differences affect communication; form and language of company presentations; basic terminology of the field. The topics are first introduced in class or online and then applied in oral or written assignments.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

You can participate in the course if you:
- have received grade L, E or M in the English matriculation exam, and this was less that ten years ago or
- have passed the entry-level test (tasokoe) of LUAS or
- have passed the English supplementay course or
- are now studying on the English supplementary course.

Assessment criteria

Written and spoken assignments (application letter, CV, email, oral presentation, leading a discussion group, presenting a company), possible portfolio and a written test. Active participation and team working also influence grading. Part of the course may be integrated in a professional course. Grading is done in scale 1 – 5.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has not achieved the study objectives or has not submitted all the required tasks.

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

The student can
- give basic information about themselves and their studies so that the essential message is clear
- express their opinions in a conversation
- give a simple, understandable oral presentation on a topic in their field
- present basic information on a company operating in their field in an understandable way
- use the basic vocabulary of their field in speaking and in writing so that the essential message is clear
- write an understandable CV, email and semi-formal letter

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

The student can
- give essential information about themselves and their studies fairly fluently and accurately
- express and justify their opinions and defend them in a conversation clearly and fluently
- give a clear and fluent oral presentation on a topic in their field, using an appropriate style
- present a company operating in their field fluently, using an appropriate style
- use the basic vocabulary of their field in speaking and in writing fairly fluently and skillfully
- write a clear CV, email and semi-formal letter in an appropriate style

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

The student can
- give detailed information about themselves and their studies fluently and accurately
- express and justify their opinions and defend them in a conversation effortlessly and convincingly
- give a well-structured oral presentation on a topic in their field in a professional and convincing way, using an appropriate style
- present a company operating in their field in a professional and convincing way, using an appropriate style
- use the basic vocabulary of their field in speaking and in writing fluently and skillfully
- write a clear, well-structured and convincing CV, email and semi-formal letter in an appropriate style