Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The students is able to
- communicate in English both orally and in writing in various working life situations
- take advantage of research information in English
- develop their professional language skills using different learning techniques
- guide the customer in English both orally and in writing and communicate in various working life situations
- draw on various information sources in English
- select suitable communication modes and channels for various situations
- develop their professional skills using different learning technique

Teaching methods

The following competence areas are
• Oral communication skills needed for the workplace: presentations; describing services; interviewing skills;
• Constructive communication (Nonviolent Communication)
• Reflective written skills
• Intercultural competences
• Field-specific vocabulary and understanding

This course includes a virtual game called International Social Services Provider of the Year in the game platform Seppo. Assignments are in the game which will be played in teams. Supporting material is provided in lectures. You will require a mobile device: phone, pad or laptop to participate. However, as the game is in teams one device per team is sufficient.

Also the basics of Constructive Communication (Nonviolent Communication) will be taught as a professional and personal communication method to facilitate, empathetic encounters with clients, self-empathy and self-development.

Upon completion of the course, a student should be able to
• communicate orally and in written form in workplace and academic related dialogues
• have a basic understanding of constructive communication
• use field related vocabulary
• be aware of field-related intercultural influences and possibilities

Location and time

Campus implementation - a more precise schedule is provided in Optima

Learning materials and recommended literature

All learning material is provided in Optima.
However, if you are interested in reading more on Constructive Communication you can read:
Marshall B. Rosenberg : Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Life

Students workload

5 Cr equals 135 hours of work

- Contact lessons 36 hours
- Presentation preparation 25 hours
- Writing learning diary 14 hours
- Game 60 hours

Content and scheduling

See a more detailed schedule and instructions in Optima

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The final grade is based on the following:
Spoken communication 50%,
Written communication 50%,
All assignments must be passed in order to complete the study unit.
More detailed assessment criteria are given in the Optima workspace.
Active participation is required during the whole course and an attendance of 80% is required
Peer and self-evaluation will also be assesment criteria.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

The student is unable to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of key principles of effective communication. He/she does not give evidence of sufficient ability to achieve straightforward communication objectives in the work-related situations practised on the course. Spoken and written language skills may be below the required level for the satisfactory production of everyday communication.

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student demonstrates an understanding of key principles of effective communication. He/she is able to achieve straightforward communication objectives in common work-related situations and can vary his/her communication style according to the situation. Spoken fluency and language range are sufficient to cope with common, simple work-related situations. Writing shows satisfactory control of grammar and lexis for the production of standard communication.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

The student demonstrates a good understanding of key principles of effective workplace communication. He/she is able to achieve communication objectives in common work-related situations with a degree of success and can adapt his/her communication style according to audience and context. Speech is fluent, with a relatively high degree of grammatical control and evidence of a wide range of vocabulary. Writing shows good control of grammar, lexis and style.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of key principles of effective workplace communication. He/she is able to communicate clearly, concisely and appropriately in common work-related situations, and is effective in adapting both the style and content of a message to different audiences and in different contexts. Speech is very fluent, flexible and easy to understand, with evidence of a wide active vocabulary. Writing shows excellent control of grammar, lexis and style.