Study and workplace skills (5 cr)

Objective

You can act responsibly as a student and as a member of the university community.

You can set your learning goals, plan your study and career path, monitor your progress, and assess your own learning.

You can enhance your employability and skills for working life and act entrepreneurially in the professional world.

You can adhere to the ethical principles of your field and market your own skills to the job market.

Content

What kind of a learning community is Xamk, and what are the study networks at Xamk like?
How do you build your own study and career plan?
How do you identify your own skills and enhance your employability?
What is your professional field like, and what are the professional ethics in your field?
How do you market your skills and strengthen your job search skills?
How do you advance your continuous learning?

Course material

All reading materials, study guides, assignments, and related resources are made available in the designated learning platform (e.g., Learn). The course instructor will guide discussions and practical exercises that demonstrate how to apply study and workplace skills effectively.

Study forms and methods

The Study and Workplace Skills course is designed to help students develop effective learning strategies and professional competencies required in modern work environments. The course blends theoretical sessions and practical activities, emphasizing group work, personal reflection, and interactive assignments. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to handle both academic and workplace challenges.

Throughout this course, students will:

Learn effective study strategies, including time management, goal-setting, and stress management.
Develop communication and collaboration skills for professional environments.
Practice problem-solving and decision-making techniques.
Understand how to build resilience and adapt to various workplace scenarios.
Reflect on personal habits and attitudes that contribute to success in both academic and professional contexts.

Timing of exams and assignments

Assignments and reflection exercises will be introduced periodically throughout the course. Students should expect:

- Weekly reflections or small tasks to reinforce concepts.
- Assignments to explore real or simulated workplace challenges.
- A final reflection paper or presentation in which students assess their personal growth/skills goals and plans.

Student workload

The course is 5 ECT credits, amounting to approximately 135 hours of student work.
The course is delivered throughout three years of studies: 2 cr in the first year of studies, and the remaining 3cr completed throughout their second and third years.

Course part description

Example lecture topics:

Introduction to XAMK systems and possibilities for learning
Effective Learning Techniques
Time and Stress Management
Communication in the Workplace
Teamwork and Collaboration
Workplace Etiquette and Professional Behavior
Resilience and Adaptability

Further information

Prior know-how and skills:

No formal prerequisites are required, but a willingness to reflect on personal habits and engage in independent learning is essential.
Familiarity with basic digital tools (e.g., email, office applications) is helpful.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Information-based know-how
- Minimal theoretical knowledge, lacking connections between different topics, and with frequent inaccuracies or misunderstandings.
- Limited ability to find and use information without significant guidance.
- Limited context awareness, often overlooking the target audience or stakeholder needs.

Skills-based know-how
- Partial completion of assigned tasks, with notable inaccuracies or omissions.
- Inconsistent/limited application of basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Infrequent participation in tasks, requiring prompting to contribute.
- Shows a passive attitude and minimal engagement during the course.
- Takes little responsibility for team outcomes, relying heavily on peers.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Information-based know-how
- Competent use of terminology and core data concepts, with occasional minor errors.
- Demonstrates effective information-search and problem-solving skills with some instructor support.
- Solid theoretical knowledge, applied reasonably well to tasks and projects.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments, most accurately, with few issues.
- Consistently applies basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Actively participates in tasks, contributing to discussions and deliverables.
- Maintains a positive and cooperative attitude throughout the course.
- Shares responsibility for outcomes and shows initiative when needed.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Information-based know-how
- Mastery of professional vocabulary, with precise application in various contexts.
- Independently and creatively uses advanced information-search techniques and problem-solving approaches.
- Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, providing insights beyond the standard course material.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments with exceptional accuracy and detail.
- Produces and delivers materials with an excellent professional footprint.
- Shows advanced proficiency in the use of tools and methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Demonstrates great work in group settings, often taking the lead and fostering collaboration.
- Maintains a highly proactive, inquisitive, and enthusiastic attitude throughout the course.
- Assumes full responsibility for personal and team tasks, consistently exceeding expected outcomes.