1. LANGUAGE PROGRAM IN THE FINNISH DEFENCE FORCES
Tommi Tikka
Language Specialist
National Defence University
Language Center

2. INTRODUCTION Language Training in the Finnish Defence Forces
Language Training for Degree Students at the National Defence University
Our Pedagogical Philosophy

3. STUDIES LEADING TO BACHELOR'S AND MASTER'S DEGREES
Bachelor Of Military Science 5 ECTS credits + second official language (Swedish/Finnish) 5 ECTS credits Master Of Military Science 3 ECTS credits Senior Staff Officer Course 1 ECTS credits Voluntary Courses (Russian, French, German, Swedish, English & Arabic)

4. DEVELOPMENT COURSES FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
Courses (ranging from introductory level to advanced) in Swedish, Russian, French, English and Arabic
Special tailored military English courses for FINCENT (Finnish Defence Forces International Center) that organizes:
language training for Finnish military attachés
military crisis management courses for command and expert personnel in UN, NATO and EU-led crisis management operations

5. BACHELOR OF MILITARY SCIENCE
INFO SESSION
Choosing the language (English, French, German or Russian)
Students must have operational proficiency in the language they choose (CEF level B2) – Dialang test
SIX AUDITORIUM SESSIONS
Six sessions on academic/professional speaking and writing
FIVE SMALL-GROUP (3-4 CADETS) MEETINGS
Working closely with the students to teach them the most essential communication strategies related to academic/professional speaking and writing

6. MASTER OF MILITARY SCIENCE
INFO SESSION
Choosing the language (English, French, German or Russian)
Students must have operational proficiency in the language they choose (CEF level B2) – Dialang test
BASIC COURSE = FOUR ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS
Four meetings, for which the language specialist and the student negotiate an individual syllabus
TWO ELECTIVES: Communication Strategies for Crisis Management Context & Professional Writing
Two of our most advanced courses on academic writing and speaking. Recommended for students at CEF level C1 or C2.

7. SENIOR STAFF OFFICER COURSE
INFO SESSION
Choosing the language (English, French, German or Russian)
Students must have operational proficiency in the language they choose (CEF level B2) – Dialang test
BASIC COURSE = FOUR ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS
Four meetings, for which the language specialist and the student negotiate an individual syllabus

8. PEDAGOGIGAL PHILOSOPHY
CYCLE 1: ASSESS (DIALANG & IN-HOUSE PROFICIENCY TEST ON THE CONTENT OF THE COURSE)
CYCLE 2: TEACH
(COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC/
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING AND WRITING)
CYCLE 3: GIVE FEEDBACK (ON TRIAL PRESENTATIONS AND FIRST DRAFTS OF THE STUDENTS' PAPERS)
CYCLE 4: ASSESS (DIALANG & IN-HOUSE PROFICIENCY TEST ON THE CONTENT OF THE COURSE)

9. Thank you