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: contact lessons (classroom or Zoom) and individual/group work.
Spoken and written assignments.There are three assignments that will be evaluated by the teacher with grade 0-5 (oral presentation and two article assignments). Other assignments are evaluated on pass/ fail scale.

Timing and attendance

Required attendance is 80% of the contact lessons;
All compulsory assignments must be completed by the deadline.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course material is compiled by the lecturer and provided mostly via Moodle.

Learning environment

class, Zoom, Moodle

Student time use and work load

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

Contents

Content:
The course covers the following topics:
- education and studies at Universities of Applied Sciences, telling of your own studies
- jobs and employment; future changes in working life; important qualities and skills
- different professional English texts and discussions

The student:
- knows the basic English expressions and vocabulary related to university studies and student life
- can manage in everyday written and oral communication situations at work
- understands and successfully uses the basic terminology and concepts of their own field
- learns how to give an oral presentation in English on a professional topic
- becomes familiar with different professional English texts, practices summarizing and focusing on the main ideas and leading a discussion in a group

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.