LC-1310 - Academic Communication for MSc Students (o,w), Lecture, 9.1.2024-16.4.2024

Topic outline

• Week 1 (09.01.2024) Introduction, Writing process
  • Select activity 1. Video: The Writing Process

    Not available unless: You are a(n) Student

    

    1. Video: The Writing Process Page
  • Select activity 2. Start searching for sources for your review paper

    Not available unless: You are a(n) Student

    

    2. Start searching for sources for your review paper Page

    Tips for finding articles and books using the Aalto University resources:

    • Make use of the Aalto Primo website to find books, journal articles and other sources using, for example, keywords on the opening page: https://primo.aalto.fi/discovery/search?vid=358AALTO_INST:VU1&lang=en
    • More specific information on finding sources in different fields can be found at Aalto University Learning Centre resources guides (select a field and click on the subpages to find specific instructions): https://libguides.aalto.fi/en
    • Aalto University Learning Centre information on using Google Scholar within the Aalto University network (with direct links to articles) at: https://libguides.aalto.fi/e-resourcelinking/google-scholar

    
    

  • Select activity Review articles

    Not available unless: You are a(n) Student

    

    Review articles Folder

    These review articles written by students from earlier groups have not been corrected (language, structure, or referencing), but they have been selected as they are good examples of the core written assignment for this course.
    

  • Select activity HOMEWORK

    HOMEWORK

  • Select activity Assignment 1: Learning Portfolio - self-assessment and goal setting

    

    Assignment 1: Learning Portfolio - self-assessment and goal setting

    Deadline: 15.01

    Starting a learning portfolio for yourself is helping you to keep a record on your learning. Your learning portfolio should include two main sections: self-assessment and goal setting. 

    Self-assessment:

    1. First, go through the CEFR self-assessment grid at: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52 and place yourself in all the categories based on your self-assessment (letter-number combination). 

    2. Take a test here and write down your vocabulary size: https://my.vocabularysize.com/

    3. Answer these questions:

    (1)  What are your experiences with presenting (in any language)? How do you feel about public speaking in general? How do you feel about speaking and communicating in English?

    (2)  Concerning spoken communication skills in English, what do you think you are good at? What kinds of issues do you think you need to pay attention to in order to improve your spoken communication skills in English?

    (3)  When it comes to written communication skills, what do you think you are good at? What areas or issues do you think you would need to pay attention to?

    (4)  In your own words, describe your strengths and weaknesses in communicating in English. 

    (5) What else do you hope to learn during this course?

    Goal setting

    1. Set 3 (or more, if you like) concrete goals for yourself for this course considering the learning outcomes. 

    2.  How will you reach the goals? Make a concrete development plan for yourself. 

    You will return to this reflection at the end of the course. Write in full sentences and paragraph format (not bullet points)! 

    Your text should be max. 1 page long.

    
    

  • Select activity Assignment 2: Brainstorming potential review paper topics

    Not available unless: You are a(n) Student

    

    Assignment 2: Brainstorming potential review paper topics