Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

Students are able to:
• Demonstrate a familiarity with meeting documents and proceedings
• Communicate in online meetings, negotiations and discussions using associated vocabulary
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different types of online meetings and discussions
• Demonstrate an awareness of considerations that are particular to online meetings, negotiations and discussions

Implementation and methods of teaching

Online, but with scheduled meetings. Teaching methods specified by the teacher.
The course will be taught jointly by Tessa Laba and Matti Mäkelä.

Timing and attendance

Students are expected to attend 80% of online lessons and actively participate in the lesson tasks. All compulsory assignments must be completed by the given deadlines.

Learning material and recommended literature

All materials will be provided for students through Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

None.

Learning environment

Online via Moodle and Teams/Zoom.

Student time use and work load

Workload is equivalent to 3op (81 hours). The course duration is short as it takes place within one month from May to early June, and the tempo is quite intensive. Organisation and reliability are essential as students will need to collaborate in an online environment.

Contents

In this course, we explore online communication through three key topics - meetings, negotiations and discussions. We will identify the advantages and challenges presented in each, cover tips and strategies for success in each method, engage with theory and practical exercises, and evaluate the effectiveness of using these methods online.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

This course is taught at a B2 level, according to the Common European Framework (CEFR).

It is also hoped that students will come to the course with some knowledge of:
- Meeting documents, proceedings, roles, phrases (in English)
- Negotiation proceedings, relevant vocabulary and phrases
- Ability to engage in discussions at length, in English

However, a reference information section will be made available on Moodle for those students who feel they need to cover some of the above-mentioned knowledge.

Assessment criteria

Student engagement with Moodle materials, demonstration of relevant knowledge relating to online meetings, negotiations and discussions, as well as ability to evaluate effectiveness of and own experiences across these three online mediums.

Breakdown of assessment tasks will be available at course commencement.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Not shown

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

The student speaks in a style vaguely appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts minimally with participants. Performance meets few of the set expectations of given assignment. The student speaks in a vaguely consistent manner. Delivery is minimally structured. Linguistic performance is minimally accurate and appropriate to the context. Pauses are rather long and at times pronunciation hinders comprehension.

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

In most cases the student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts with participants. Performance meets most set expectations of given assignment. The student speaks in a consistent manner. Delivery is structured. Linguistic performance is somewhat accurate and appropriate to the context, although short pauses and hesitations may occur.

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

The student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts fluently and competently. Performance meets all set expectations of given assignment. The student speaks in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. Delivery is well-structured, intentional. Linguistic performance is accurate, appropriate to the context, and speech tempo is natural.