Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main goal of this course is that students will find their own way to learn, study and use English both in meaningful personal contexts as well as in academic/ working life situations.

Students will develop their English skills towards autonomous and spontaneous language use.

Furthermore, the goal is that students manage their own learning process by doing the following:

Analyzing their own identity as an English learner and their learning needs

· Setting personalized learning goals
· Choosing their approach to learning
· Making a concrete learning plan and carrying it out
· Reflecting on their learning process and results

Credits: 3

Schedule: 15.01.2021 - 09.04.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Hanna Hakala, Laura Mendoza

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Laura Mendoza

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

B2

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The students will devise a personalized learning plan together with the teacher, in which they consider their own special needs and ways to learn a foreign language.

    The small group meetings and individual consultations with the teacher will deal with several topics, such as:

    · Language learner history and its effects on one s English learner identity
    · Ways of reflecting on one s own learning, such as a learning diary
    · Realistic methods for self-evaluation
    · Using and developing English together with other students
    · Skills for learning and studying English depending on the particular needs of the students: listening, reading, speaking, writing.

    Assessment methods and criteria:

    - Completion of the study plan as agreed with the teacher
    - No final exam

    Working Life Skills:

    Skills in a foreign language, Written & Oral communication, Self-awareness, Lifelong learning skills, Self-confidence, Time management, and Team work skill

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    - Completion of the study plan as agreed with the teacher

    - No final exam

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    81 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    MyCourses page + student-selected learning materials depending on each individual plan

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    LCA-1001, LCA-1002, LCA-1008, LCA-1009, LCA-1111, LCA-1012, LCA-1013, LC-1117, LC-1121

Registration for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Upon registration WebOodi, choose the right group for you.

    One group is open for students with a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, ADHD, language phobia, panic disorder or other similar reasons explained upon registration in WebOodi.

    The second group is open for all students. In this group, students are considered for admission in order of highest number of credits.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This group is suitable for all students who would like to develop their own way to learn, study and use English both in meaningful personal contexts as well as in academic / working life situations.This group will be combined with LCA-1015 group M03.

    The first two online group meetings of the course are obligatory (15.01 and 22.01 in ZOOM), after which smaller group meetings shall be organized separately as agreed (if possible, preferrably on Fridays from 10:15-11-45 online). All students create a personalized study plan together with the teacher and report on their progress regularly through MyCourses. Two individual meetings with the teacher also arranged (beginning and mid-semesters).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This course is based on Helsinki University ALMS program (Autonomous Learning Modules).

    This course partially fulfills the university foreign language requirement for both written and oral skills (3:6 cr, w + o) in Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This group is suitable for all students who would like to develop their own way to learn, study and use English both in meaningful personal contexts as well as in academic / working life situations.This group will be combined with LCA-1015 group M03.

    The first two online group meetings of the course are obligatory (15.01 and 22.01 in ZOOM), after which smaller group meetings shall be organized separately as agreed (if possible, preferrably on Fridays from 10:15-11-45 online). All students create a personalized study plan together with the teacher and report on their progress regularly through MyCourses. Two individual meetings with the teacher also arranged (beginning and mid-semesters).

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    This course consists of three initial compulsory sessions:

    Session 1: Tue 12 January from 10-15 in  U410a (a lunch break included)

    Session 2: Fri 15 January from 9-12 in U410a

    Session 3: Tue 19 January from 10-12 in U410a

    During these initial sessions,  the participants decide on both content areas they wish to work on and subsequent small group meetings, which will meet at varying times depending on what the participant.

    In other words, this course requires flexibility from both students and the teacher to negotiate and agree on small group meeting times.