Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- communicate as a professional in field specific tasks
- speak and write English with the understanding of the appropriate style and register
- identify personal developmental needs in communication and language skills and develop realistic strategies for improvement
- search for information from professional publications and databases

Teaching methods

This course is partly implemented through a virtual game called International Social Services Provider of the Year
The competence areas are
•Communication skills needed for the workplace including presentations, describing services, interviewing skills, reflective skills, etc.
•Constructive communication
•Intercultural competences
•Field-specific vocabulary

Location and time

Contact lessons
Schedule in Pakki and 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 : Rakentava ja myötäelävä vuorovaikutus or Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Life (same book in English)

Alternative completion methods of implementation

Recognition of prior learning and workplace acquired competences should be discussed with the teacher and then applied for. Suitable compensatory tasks will be developed accordingly.

Forms of internationality

Intercultural interviews and communication are included

Students workload

1 Credit = 27 hours of work
For a 5 credit course you should do 135 hours of work.
International Social Worker of the Year Game: 3 Credits
Lessons, learning diary, presentations: 2 Credits

Further information for students

As mentioned above this course is based on a virtual game called International Social Worker of the Year in the game platform Seppo. All details of the game will be provided in Optima. There will be assignments in the game which will be played in teams. To play in the game you will require a mobile device: phone, pad or laptop to participate.
Also constructive communication will be taught as a professional and personal communication method to facilitate self-development and workplace communciation. The learning diary assignment is connected to this process - the student is expected to reflect on the processes experienced during the course.

Grading scale

Approved/Failed

Evaluation methods and criteria

A detailed evaluation criteria can be found from Optima.
A student should be able to
• communicate orally in workplace and study related dialogues
• produce workplace and study related texts
• use field and study related vocabulary
• be aware of field-related intercultural influences and possibilities
• understand the basics of nonviolent communication