Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- use empathetic interaction for empowerment
- practice constructive communication with self and others
- engage in challenging communication situations

Teaching methods

Constructive Communication (CC) or Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication method that focuses on self-empathy, empathy and authentic self-expression. CC theory supposes all behaviour stems from attempts to meet universal human needs. By identifying the needs and the feelings that surround these needs, mutual understanding and effective strategies for various life events can be achieved.

This course aims to provide tools for communicating in challenging situations and addressing emotional trigger points. In addition, the aim of this module is to develop the understanding of self-empathy and empathy to provide the tools for empowering clients as well as self-development. Conflict resolution and basic mediation skills will also be included in the course.

The module progresses from the basics of CC to deeper practices through self-reflection, role-play, dialogue and various constructive communication exercises.

The learning objectives are to
- use empathetic interaction to empower multicultural clients
- engage empathetically with self and others
- approach clients on a needs and values basis
- engage in challenging communication situations

The course is implemented through contact lessons, reading material and self-reflection in a learning diary. A Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation, but it is important to take part in teaching and guidance on campus according to schedule. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher.

Learning materials and recommended literature

The course book is
Rosenberg, M. B. 2003. Nonviolent communication: A language of life. 2nd ed. Encinitas, CA: PuddleDancer.

and in the same book in Finnish

Rosenberg, M. B. & Hartikainen, T. 2019. Rakentava ja myötäelävä vuorovaikutus: Nonviolent communication NVC. 4. uudistettu painos. Helsinki: Viisas Elämä.

All other materials are available in Canvas.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the studies or another person designated to the position. The assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria and, as a rule, same grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit or module. The student is entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence regardless of where, how and when the competence has been acquired. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence and for providing sufficient information.

Important dates

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. If they fail to notify the teacher of their absence in the first contact session, their enrollment will be rejected. Another student in the queue may be enrolled in the study unit in the place of the absent student.” (Laurea degree regulations) I

This is a communications course that has active participatory exercises in the classroom, therefore compulsory attendance is expected (80%). In practice, this means 1-2 lessons can be missed. If there are multiple absences, a medical certificate needs to be provided. If the attendance criterion is not met, then the course will need be repeated.

There will be a deadline for the learning diary. No feedback is provided for late submissions i.e. submissions that did not meet the initial deadline.

Forms of internationality

Internationality in the study unit is fully integrated as this is an internationally diverse group that will have facilitated communication exercises during contact lessons.

Students workload

5 ECTS equals 135 hours of work:

Contact lessons: 36 hours
Reading course material and supplementary tasks: 60 hours
Reflection: 39 hours (Learning Diary)

Content and scheduling

Nonviolent Communication or Constructive Communication is taught to provide a needs-based empathetic approach for both encountering clients and self-empathy. This includes reflection on one's own emotional triggers and how to work with them. Various low-threshold exercises will be provided and practiced during the course that could be implemented with clients in the social and healthcare setting.

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Bachelor's level education. Laurea's degree regulations are applied for the requirements of fulfilling this course


The quality of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available in the course's Canvas platform.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

“The evaluation of competence is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula, and the level of competence is assessed according to the evaluation criteria listed in the implementation plan for the studies.” (Laurea degree regulations).

“Students who have failed to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the approved level must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit." (Laurea degree regulations.)

All staff and students of Laurea are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, which includes appropriate referencing. The student is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the referencing guidelines and, if needed, asking for more information. All study assignments are to be done as individual work unless otherwise instructed. All works will be checked for plagiarism through Urkund. If plagiarism is detected, the work will be automatically failed and retuned. The work will then need to be resubmitted according to the alternative deadlines provided in this document.

Evaluation criteria, approved/failed

A pass is achieved if the student's reflective learning diary shows
- Provides engagement with the topics and all the compulsory reading, discusses relevance; highlights possible questions
- Shows a connection between the topics and own skills, professional experience, or discipline knowledge.
- Highlights factors underlying the topics; explains and shows why they are important to an understanding of the topics overall
- Reframes future practice or professional understanding in the context of the studied material; expresses how this information can be utilised in the future

In addition, the attendance criterion and deadlines need to be met to obtain a pass.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

A pass is achieved if the student's reflective learning diary:
- Provides engagement with the topics and all the compulsory reading, discusses relevance; highlights possible questions
- Shows a connection between the topics and own skills, professional experience, or discipline knowledge.
- Highlights factors underlying the topics; explains and shows why they are important to an understanding of the topics overall
- Reframes future practice or professional understanding in the context of the studied material; expresses how this information can be utilised in the future

The evaluation rubric is available from the Canvas course platform

In addition, the attendance criterion and deadlines need to be met to obtain a pass.