Professional Communication in Social Services (5 cr)

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

Location and time

Campus implementation - a more precise schedule is provided in Optima

Materials

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

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

Student 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 scheduling

See a more detailed schedule and instructions in Optima

Evaluation scale

H-5