Language boosts at the higher education institution – case study
Metropolia S2 teachers' statement on the teaching and guidance of Finnish as a second language (S2) in English-language degree programmes at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
In this statement (in Finnish), Metropolia's S2 teachers present the basic principles on how to achieve sufficient proficiency in the Finnish language and what structural changes are required in the curricula in order to achieve this language proficiency. The statement has been compiled on the basis of career guidance and the Finnish language model developed in the SIMHE further development project (2019–2021).
How the language path model is put into practice
The S2 language path model has been developed on the basis of the statement. The S2 language path model is presented in more detail in the S2 language path model is presented in more detail in the Language Boost portal but you can also read about the implementation of the model in the Metropolia Hiiltä ja timanttia blog in the Language Boost series (in Finnish):
- Lähteä vai jäädä? – kielen oppimisen tukeminen edistää opiskelijan kotoutumista, Kielibuustia 1/5
- Suunnitelmallisuus on avain suomen kielen oppimiseen – tukena kieli-HOPS, Kielibuustia 2/5
- Kielituettu työharjoittelu on kielenoppimisen momentum, Kielibuustia 3/5
Language-boosted curriculum: Degree Programme in Social Services
The English-language degree programme of Metropolia (Degree Programme in Social Services) was the first in Finland to “language boost” their curriculum based on a statement by S2 teachers: the curriculum enables international students to take 20 credits of Finnish courses, and the degree also includes language-supported traineeships in Finnish-language working environments. The traineeships were named Work placement and language internships, and language objectives (A1 - C2) were also added to their objectives according to the student's initial skill level.
The degree also includes a course on language-aware and equal guidance (5 ETCS) for those who already have excellent Finnish skills. Students who already speak Finnish will be used as language mentors in pair exercises.
See also
S2 language path model for higher education institutions - how the institution can support the language learning of international students
The model supports in drawing up curricula and planning language studies.
Make a language learning plan (Language-PSP)
A tool to discuss language proficiencies and career planning.
Language mentor as a helper to higher education students
Language mentor supports and encourages international students.
