Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

Student
- can pronounce Finnish well
- will have the courage to use the language at his/her own level outside classroom to get the information passed
- will be able to describe the environment
- can communicate and understand simple speech and messages concerning everyday things in Finnish
- will be motivated to study health care related language
- can understand simple texts with standard vocabulary and terminology
- can write short texts and descriptions of familiar things and events
- can actively use Finnish language in everyday situations, for example in service transaction situations and in health care

Content (course unit)

- developing awareness of different text types by using example texts
- utilizing target language environment in different communication situations
- reading, listening and communication strategies, for example by using euphemisms
- key language structures
- professional vocabulary and terminology
- communication situations in nursing field

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

The student has completed all course assignments acceptably. The student can explain the contents mentioned in the goals of the course, but the expression is concise and there are structural errors. The student can maintain short discussions in Finnish. The pronunciation of the words is still inadequate.

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

The student will study Finnish language actively and will complete course assignments within given timeframes. The student can take part in short discussions well which are part of the course. The student can write short messages related to the environment and future profession.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has a positive and active attitude towards language learning. The student pronounces Finnish clearly and knows how to use appropriate, alternative expressions in everyday interaction. The student is able to form grammatically correct sentences. The student can take part in discussions, by explaining, asking and answering questions and he/she can manage topics studied during the course. The student can write descriptions or reviews and utilize words and expressions learnt during the course in new contexts.

Location and time

The meeting time and place will change each week. I advice that you check out the schedule of each in advance.

Exam schedules

Written exam will be held on 23rd of November.

In addition to this, you should attend the spoken exam on one of the following days:
28th of November
29th of November
30th of November

Assessment methods and criteria

The student will be evaluated based on the following course work:
- the spoken exam (a simulated patient discussion, 45 % weight)
- the written exam ("listen and write" exam, 35 % weight)
- the average of language test scores (20 % weight)

In addition to this, the student should be available and present at least 80 % of the classroom time. If the student misses more than 80 % of the classroom time but is able to reach grade 4 level in the overall course evaluation, the attendance requirement will not be taken into account.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

You will have classroom meetings, home exercises, language tests, and a final exam in the course. You will practice vocabularly, grammar, speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing.

The goal is to extend your knowledge in basic Finnish, and also provide a rudimentary basis for professional language use in the nursing field.

N.B.! The course is only available for 22NURFILTOP students. If you are looking for a Finnish course, and do not know where to find one, I recommend that you will contact Ella Hakala (ella.hakala@tuni.fi).

Learning materials

Your teacher will provide the study material.

If you have an access to Suomen mestari 1 and Suomen mestari 2, you can use them in the course. However, the use of books is not required.

Student workload

You should prepare for 3-6 hours of classroom work and 2-4 hours of home work each week.

Content scheduling

We will have first meetings in August, and continue the course in late October.

Completion alternatives

Not available.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Not available.

International connections

Not available.

Further information

Not available.

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

The student fails to meet the minimum success level in the course work.

Alternatively, the student has missed too many course meetings, and has not compensated for their absence by asking for compensatory study material or reaching the grade 4 level of success in the course work.

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

The criteria for grade 2: 45-59 % success level in the course work
The criteria for grade 1: 30-44 % success level in the course work

In practice, this means that the student is able to showcase following skills on a rather advanced or at least rudimentary level:

- The students know how to describe health symptoms and background factors, and how to ask questions about them.
- The student is able to describe what, where, and when something happened.
- The student is able to comprehend basic depictions of health-related events and symptoms.
- The student is able to demonstrate their knowledge of Finnish grammar, vocabulary, and language conventions in both the final exam and earlier language tests.

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

The criteria for grade 4: 75-89 % success level in the course work
The criteria for grade 3: 60-74 % success level in the course work

In practice, this means that the student is able to showcase following skills on a rather advanced or at least rudimentary level:

- The students know how to describe health symptoms and background factors, and how to ask questions about them.
- The student is able to describe what, where, and when something happened.
- The student is able to comprehend basic depictions of health-related events and symptoms.
- The student is able to demonstrate their knowledge of Finnish grammar, vocabulary, and language conventions in both the final exam and earlier language tests.

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

The criteria for grade 5: 90-100 % success level in the course work

In practice, this means that the student is able to showcase following skills on an advanced level:

- The students know how to describe health symptoms and background factors, and how to ask questions about them.
- The student is able to describe what, where, and when something happened.
- The student is able to comprehend basic depictions of health-related events and symptoms.
- The student is able to demonstrate their knowledge of Finnish grammar, vocabulary, and language conventions in both the final exam and earlier language tests.