Speech Communication in Finnish at the Centre for Language and Communication Studies

Skilled interaction is at the core of every expert’s expertise. In both study and working life, the ability to co-operate and interact with others is needed. Building a working atmosphere, building relationships, negotiating and influencing, resolving problems and conflicts, and the ability to communicate and speak convincingly are at the heart of these skills.

The general goal of the courses is to strengthen students’ interaction skills so that they are able to work purposefully and cooperatively in study and work tasks in their own field. In addition, we practice analyzing one's own interaction skills and various interaction events and giving constructive feedback. Teaching is based on the theory and research of communication.

In speech communication courses, students become acquainted with the phenomena of interaction and strengthen their related skills and understanding. Study takes place functionally, pragmatically and learner-centred in small groups, which enables personal feedback and development. Studying requires the student to be present and actively involved.

The core contents of the courses are interaction skills and its characteristics, the communicator's perception of himself as a communicator, analytical and evaluative listening, giving and receiving feedback, and the ethics of communication. Teaching can focus on group-specific persuasive presentation, promoting group collaboration or negotiation skills. From the perspective of learning, the central role is played by the reflection of the student's own work and competence, which is supported by self-assessment and feedback from peers and the teacher.