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

This is an online course. The students work on their own but also in pairs/groups. There are some time-dependent online sessions (briefings, discussions and presentations).

Timing and attendance

Students' attendance is required during the separately set online sessions. Students need to meet the deadlines for the assignments.

Learning material and recommended literature

Online material in Moodle and the Internet.
Students need to have a web camera and a microphone for the pair/groupwork assignments and during the zoom sessions.

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.

Exam retakes

There is no course exam. Assessment is based on course assignments.

Learning environment

Online

Student time use and work load

A student's workload is 4 x 27 hours, consisting of self-studying and completing written and oral assignments.

Contents

The contents: education terminology; form and language of a semi-formal letter and CV; form and language of emails; how to express and defend opinions; what makes a good oral presentation and supporting graphics; how cultural differences affect communication; job interviews; terminology and texts of the field. The topics are first introduced and studied online and then applied in oral or written assignments.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

It is strongly recommended that, at the beginning of your studies, you take the entry-level test (tasokoe) provided by the school, to see whether you need the English Prep course. The entry-level test is not needed if you have received grade L, E or M in the English matriculation exam, and this was less that ten years ago. The English Prep course can be done either before or at the same time as this English for Work course.

Assessment criteria

Written and spoken assignments. Active participation, keeping the deadlines and team working also influence grading. 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
- 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
- manage in a job interview if gets support from the interviewer

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
- 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
- communicate in a job interview fairly fluently

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
- 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
- communicate in a job interview effortlessly and convincingly