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English for Social ServicesLaajuus (3 cr)

Code: 7S00GV35

Credits

3 op

Objectives

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Enrolment period

02.07.2025 - 15.08.2025

Timing

01.08.2025 - 12.12.2025

Credits

3 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

TAMK Languages and Communication

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Seats

10 - 30

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Katja Kärki
Person in charge

Kirsi Saarinen

Groups
  • 25SOA
    Sosionomin tutkinto-ohjelma, päivätoteutus, ryhmä A
  • 25SO
    Sosionomin tutkinto-ohjelma, päivätoteutus

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Location and time

On campus according to schedule on Pakki.

Exam schedules

Written exam on paper in the last class.
Spoken demonstration in small group discussions in the end of the course.

Assessment methods and criteria

The student has to be present on at least 80% of the lessons. The grade is based on oral competence (discussion task) and written competence ( written exam) as well as other assignments during the course.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Pair and group work, individual work, discussons, written assignments in class and at home, online learning.

Learning materials

Digital materials on Moodle page
Additional reading: Saarinen & Saarinen: Way to Welfare, English for Social Services

Student workload

Classes and independent work between them as well as group projects.

Content scheduling

Period 1: studies, working life, early childhood education, the youth, mental health
Period 2: substance abuse, disabilities, social benefits, elderly care

Completion alternatives

Independent completion of the course for students who already have excellent skills in English (B.2.-C.1.). Agree on the assignments with the teacher.

Potential credit transfer for those who have prior studies or a degree in higher education or work experience from the field. Contact the teacher for more information or consult TAMK Intra "Studying Languages".

Practical training and working life cooperation

None.

International connections

None.

Further information

Prerequisites:
A-level upper secondary school English or equivalent skills, a passed TAMK skill level test, or a passed preparatory course.

In case you have a document with individual study arrangements, please inform the teacher in the beginning of the course.

Teacher of the course:
Katja Kärki
katja.karki@tuni.fi

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

- student cannot participate in spoken interaction because spoken production and understanding others is challenging
- pronunciation is unintelligible
- student uses a very reduced vocabulary which doesn't suffice to manage a conversation, use of inappropriate words or expressions
- inadequate knowledge of basic grammar
- student doesn't manage written communication in an adequate manner
- doesn't write in a comprehensible manner
- challenges in finding information in a text about familiar topics

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student
- can give a simple and understandable presentation utilising ready material and aids
- can explain the principles of Finnish social welfare system briefly
- manages simple conversations
- usually reacts in some way to what's being said to him/her
- is somewhat conscious of the stylistic requirements of various types of text
- can produce mostly understandable writing
- understands the main points of a normally paced conversation about a familiar topic, when the message is repeated if needed
- can pronounce in a way that is mostly understandable
- can find the information he/she is looking for in texts that discuss familiar topics
- uses the basic professional vocabulary so that the essential message is communicated
- uses basic grammatical structures
- uses the most easily available aids, such as free dictionaries

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student
- can prepare and give a brief but clear presentation on a professional topic
- can explain the principles of Finnish social welfare system clearly
- manages conversations on professional topics quite fluently
- usually reacts appropriately to what's being said to him/her
- usually communicates using an appropriate style in various situations
- can produce quite fluent and clear writing
- understands speakers who have various accents when the topic is familiar
- can pronounce fairly fluently and clearly
- understands the main points and most details of various texts
- can express things using other words if needed
- understands and uses the professional vocabulary fairly accurately
- uses grammatical structures mostly correctly and self-corrects his/her errors if they have led to misunderstandings
- can utilise different sources and dictionaries

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student
- can prepare and give an engaging, structured presentation with the needed materials
- can explain the principles of Finnish social welfare system clearly and in a structured way
- manages conversations on professional topics fluently
- reacts quickly and appropriately to what's being said to him/her
- communicates using an appropriate style in various situations
- can produce fluent, appropriate writing with only a few errors
- understands speakers who have various accents relatively easily
- can pronounce fluently and clearly
- understands the main points and details of a demanding professional text and can adapt the information
- can express things using other words and bridges the gaps in his/her vocabulary in a discreet way
- understands and skilfully and accurately uses the professional vocabulary and the terminology of his/her own specialisation
- uses complex grammatical structures mostly correctly
- usually finds the terms he/she needs by utilising different sources

Enrolment period

02.07.2025 - 15.08.2025

Timing

01.08.2025 - 12.12.2025

Credits

3 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

Social Services

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Katja Kärki
Person in charge

Kirsi Saarinen

Groups
  • 25SOD
  • 25SO
    Sosionomin tutkinto-ohjelma, päivätoteutus

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Assessment scale

0-5

Enrolment period

13.08.2024 - 01.10.2024

Timing

21.10.2024 - 13.12.2024

Credits

3 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

TAMK Languages and Communication

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • English
Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Elena Grigorova
Person in charge

Vesa Joutsen

Groups
  • 24SOD
  • 24SO

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Location and time

On campus and online according to the timetable.

Exam schedules

See Methods and Grounds for Evaluation.

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on successful completion of the following tasks and activities:
• Presentation (pair task; individual grade incl. self- and peer assessment: 0-5)
• Written exam (individual task; individual grade: 0-5)
• Overall participation in the course such as attendance, engagement with the course materials, participation in class activities and completion of home assignments is also taken into consideration when determining the final grade.

All the parts of the assessment must be completed to receive credits for the course.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Presentations, discussions, role play, pair and group activities, independent study.

Learning materials

• Saarinen, Kirsi, and Juha Saarinen. Way to Welfare : English for Social Services. Helsingissä: Otava, 2008. Print.
• Materials in Moodle

Student workload

Total course – 3 cr x 27 h = 81 h study hours incl.:
• introductory lesson (online) – 1 x 1 h = 1 h
• contact lessons (on campus) – 5 x 3 h = 15 h
• written exam – 1 x 2 h = 2 h
• independent study – 63 h

Content scheduling

• Oral skills (presentations, interviews, telephone communication, social interaction)
• Writing skills (emails, summaries)
• Reading comprehension (professional texts)
• Grammar as needed

Completion alternatives

OPTION 1
Students who have completed corresponding studies at another university or university of applied sciences may apply for credit transfer in Hyvähot/CreTa (in English). Further information is available at https://intra.tuni.fi/fi/opetus/opetuksen-toteutus/hyvaksilukeminen/viestinta-ja-kieliopintojen-hyvaksilukeminen.

OPTION 2
Students who already have the skills and competences that are aligned with the course objectives may apply for recognition of prior learning through competences demonstration (application in Hyvähot/CreTa in English). Further information is available at https://intra.tuni.fi/fi/opetus/opetuksen-toteutus/hyvaksilukeminen/viestinta-ja-kieliopintojen-hyvaksilukeminen.

All alternative ways of completing the course should be discussed with the teacher at the beginning of the course.

Further information

• The course is B2 level according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Lessons are either on campus or online according to the timetable (see Scheduling of Work).
• There is no hybrid option (some students on campus, some online).
• Mandatory attendance – 80%.

Enrolment period

13.08.2024 - 31.08.2024

Timing

05.08.2024 - 13.12.2024

Credits

3 op

Virtual portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

67 % Contact teaching, 33 % Online learning

Unit

TAMK Languages and Communication

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Katja Kärki
Person in charge

Katja Kärki

Groups
  • 24SOA
  • 24SO

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Assessment scale

0-5

Enrolment period

13.08.2024 - 31.08.2024

Timing

05.08.2024 - 13.12.2024

Credits

3 op

Virtual portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

67 % Contact teaching, 33 % Online learning

Unit

TAMK Languages and Communication

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Katja Kärki
Person in charge

Katja Kärki

Groups
  • 24SOB
  • 24SO

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Assessment scale

0-5

Enrolment period

13.08.2024 - 31.08.2024

Timing

05.08.2024 - 13.12.2024

Credits

3 op

Virtual portion

1 op

Mode of delivery

67 % Contact teaching, 33 % Online learning

Unit

TAMK Languages and Communication

Campus

TAMK Main Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Katja Kärki
Person in charge

Katja Kärki

Groups
  • 24SOC
  • 24SO

Objectives (course unit)

The central objective of this course is for the student to understand the importance of English language proficiency, communication, and effective interaction as part of their professional competence.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• Communicate in English within social work contexts.
• Provide detailed instructions to clients and ask relevant questions in interviews with sensitivity.
• Understand and utilize English-language source materials in their work and professional development.

Content (course unit)

• Bachelor of Social Services tasks
• Client guidance and interview situations
• Authentic professional texts
• Key social work vocabulary

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can communicate in familiar, simple, and routine situations in a manner that is mostly understandable
• can provide clients with simple oral and written instructions
• can ask clients necessary questions regarding their prior and current life situation
• can employ basic social services terminology passably
• understands the main points in relatively easy social work-related texts when consulting a dictionary
• can communicate in English but has problems with grammar and style
• manages simple conversations provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly, and sometimes repeats the information

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• communicates fairly clearly in multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (verbal and written reports, documentation)
• can provide clients with individual instructions in the most common client guidance situations
• responds to the questions asked by clients fairly successfully
• can employ and utilize relevant social services terminology
• can search information in scientific publications and other professional sources to promote one’s professional growth
• can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
• discusses field-specific topics fairly fluently
• employs grammatical structures fairly successfully and self-corrects potential errors if causing misunderstandings
• can re-formulate one’s sentences if and when needed
• understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• communicates successfully even in demanding multi-professional and multi-cultural interaction situations (e.g., oral and written reports, documentation, potential extra-curricular activities, such as projects or international collaboration)
• interviews and instructs clients successfully adapting to the interaction situation
• employs and utilizes specific terminology and field-specific concepts
• speaks fluently and idiomatically
• can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources, interprets it, and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
• communicates effortlessly and in a way appropriate to the situation
• discusses field-specific topics fluently
• responds to questions in discussions appropriately and without delay
• employs grammatical structures almost flawlessly and self-corrects potential errors
• re-formulates one’s sentences when needed
• expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader/listener idiomatically without misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Reasons for failing the course:
• Written / Oral exam is failed
• The student has considerable problems in linguistic structures and grammar
• One's social services vocabulary is very limited, or almost non-existent
• One fails to convey the relevant message across to a listener or a reader
• Negligence or delays in submitting the assignments
• Non-compliance to attendance requirements

Assessment scale

0-5