Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

Students are able to
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific work place situations both orally and in writing
- find, evaluate and use information effectively
- function collaboratively in international working environments.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course is mainly for TES students.

Classroom and individual work (blended learning).

The focus is on learning through individual guided work and active participation in classroom lessons which aim to simulate the activities of professional engineers. In addition to reading about various developments in engineering and listening to authentic discussions on them, students will also discuss the developments themselves, take part in different online oral and writing activities.

Timing and attendance

Period s3 and 4 of the spring term 2022.
28h of classroom lessons (in Lappeenranta campus). Missing a lesson cannot be covered by any other task. Active participation in all lessons accounts for 15% of your course grade. The participation in the lesson during week 14 is compulsory (evaluation).

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 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, five Moodle tests, participating in classroom lessons.

Contents

- managing job application processes (CV, video application, job interview);
understanding the key terminology and concepts of engineering field: (the topics include pollution, energy, transport, digitalization, innovations; activities include participating in the meetings, discussions, problem-solving, information presentation, process description);
- 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.

Students who have taken other English for Professional Development/English Communication for Business and Management/English Communication at Work course are not eligible for this course.

Assessment criteria

The course is evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment.
Active participation in all course's activities impacts the course grade:
70% of the course grade: three assignments that are evaluated by the teacher with the grade 5 -0
15% of the course grade: Moodle tests.
15% of the course grade: active participation in classroom lessons.

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.