Beginners’ Finnish 1 (2 cr)

Objective

After the completion of the course,
- you are able to communicate in Finnish in some basic everyday situations
- you can use simple phrases, express statements and ask questions and you know basic vocabulary
- you are familiar with some key features of the Finnish grammar
- you can pronounce and write simple phrases Finnish
- you can apply your skills in practice
- you are able to independently expand your vocabulary resources and improve your Finnish skills using different sources.

Content

- introducing oneself
- greetings
- getting acquainted
- simple everyday communication e.g., in a shop
- elementary grammar

- online learning in Learn (Xamk Moodle) environment
- practice with online tasks
- independent progress

- Around 54 hours of independent work (reading/watching/listening study material, rehearsal activities, assignments).

Course material

The study material used in the course is: A Taste of Finnish. 2015. University of Helsinki, chapters 1–3. Available at: http://tasteoffinnish.fi/. The other study material is available in the Learn (Xamk Moodle) online learning environment.

Study forms and methods

The course is intended for students who do not have prior knowledge of the Finnish language.

The course is carried out by means of independent online studies. Teacher guidance is available in real-time online appointments about once a month. Participation in these appointments is voluntary.

Learning takes place in the Learn (Xamk Moodle) online learning environment. The course includes independent assignments and online exams. The assessed tasks are completed independently. The tasks must be submitted within two months of enrolling in the course.

Various methods of feedback are used during the course. Some tasks are automatically graded, for some tasks the teacher gives written or oral feedback.

RDI and work-related cooperation

When possible there will be training of branch connected vocabulary and communication situations.

Timing of exams and assignments

In each section of the course, there are assignments to complete. Moreover, there is an online exam and and other written and/or oral tasks at the end of the course. The course must be completed within two months.

Student workload

2 ECTS credits correspond to approximately 54 hours of student work. However, the workload depends on study skills and prior knowledge.

Further information

The course requires good independent study skills, since real-time teacher participation is very minimal. The course also requires sufficient proficiency in English and basic IT skills.
Complementary course: Beginners’ Finnish 2.

Students who enroll in the course will receive an instructional email from the teacher within approximately one month of enrollment. During weeks 25–32, it is possible to enroll in the course, but instructions for completing it will only be provided in mid-August.

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Assessment methods and criteria

Completing the course successfully requires completing the assignments within the given schedule.
The course is graded on a Approved/Failed scale.

Qualifications

Prior skills in the Finnish language are not a requirement, but attending the course requires English skills enabling academic studies, some IT skills and good independent study skills.