Improve your English (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The object of the course:
The purpose of the course is to improve your knowledge in basic and intermediate grammar and vocabulary, as well as give you confidence in spoken English.

During the course, you will refine your grammar and practice your spoken English through activities such as group discussions and text-based speaking activities. You will have an opportunity to practice speaking in multicultural groups and also with native Finnish speakers. Writing texts, such as essays and reports, will also be included in your curriculum.

Course competences:
The course prepares and equips you to act and work in an international and multicultural environment.

The learning objectives of the course:
After completing the course, you will be more confident in expressing yourself in English in different written and spoken contexts.

Content

The central contents of the course include basic and intermediate grammar, for example verb conjugation, noun declension, conditionals, prepositions and quantity words, and vocabulary related to, for example, cultures, travelling, sustainability and employment.

After the course, you will have improved your personal communication skills in speaking and writing. You will also be directed to rich materials from which you can seek out additional information both during the course and well after the course has been completed.

Materials

Provided at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

This implementation is organized as contact teaching in the classroom during the fall semester 2024.

- Week 34 (Intensive week): Teaching 3x2,5h on Mon, Tue and Thu
- Weeks 35-48: 2,5h of teaching per week on Thursdays

Possible re-sits are to be taken by 12th December

In addition to 40 hours of teaching, the students are expected to complete homework and other out-of-class assignments (including meetings with Finnish students). The course contains both individual and group work.

Evaluation 0-5: Mid-term test and a final exam. Out-of-class assignments are graded as pass/fail.

Exam schedules

Evaluation 0-5: Mid-term test and a final exam. Two re-sit opportunities in December 2024 / January 2025

Student workload

5 ECTS credits = 135h of student's work

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1 The students are able to communicate understandably both in speech and writing in simple and routine situations. They can understand the central content of speech and writing dealing with familiar topics. They have a sufficient command of the basic structures of the language so as to be able to usually deliver their message. The level of their pronunciation is sufficient for the delivery of the main content of their message.

2 The students are able to communicate understandably both orally an in writing in familiar situations although their language use is at times slow and incoherent. They understand clear speech and writing with familiar content. They have a reasonable command of the basic structures of the language although they also show uncertainty in their correct use. Their vocabulary is sufficient for every-day situations. The level of their pronunciation is sufficient for the delivery of content.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3 The students can manage well both oral and written situations in every-day life. They understand speech with a normal tempo and texts dealing with general topics, but unusual topics and language deviating from standard use cause difficulties. They can use the basic grammatical structures of the language. Their use of grammar is not error-free, but their errors do not hinder communication. The students’ command of the vocabulary of the language is sufficient for communicating the central content in different situations. Their pronunciation is on an adequate level.

4 The students are able to communicate fluently in different situations and produce clear and fluent language. They have no difficulty in understanding speech with a normal tempo and texts dealing with general topics although expressions deviating from the standard use of the language cause problems to some extent. The students have a good command of the language and its use, but occasional problems may arise.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 The students are able to communicate fluently and actively participating. They can also apply the learning content of the course in versatile ways. They have no difficulties in understanding speech with a normal tempo and texts dealing with general topics although fine nuances and speech deviating significantly from standard language can be challenging. The students can produce almost errorless speech and writing. Their language use has no major defects.

Qualifications

Your English skills should be on level A2 in the Common European Framework of Reference (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/sites/default/files/cefr-en.pdf).

Further information

Evaluation 0-5: Mid-term test and a final exam. Out-of-class assignments are graded as pass/fail.