Follow these steps, you can use tools developed by Kielibuusti for advisor support to systematically incorporate language proficiency topics into career or study guidance. 

Step 1: Significance of language proficiency to the client

Local languages play a more important role in Finland than many initially think. If your client is not initially motivated to learn Finnish (or Swedish), it may be necessary to provide realistic information on the significance of language proficiency in Finnish working life and social integration. Discuss language learning encouragingly and emphasize the usefulness of even rudimentary language proficiency. You can motivate your client to include linguistic career goals in their career goals and encourage them to develop their language proficiency e.g. by using this information package.

Step 2: Language proficiency required in client’s work

Help your client assess what kind of language proficiency they are likely to need in their future work tasks. Consider in practice what kinds of scenarios they encounter in their profession or work tasks, and which linguistic skills they require: do they, for example, need to speak on the phone – discuss with experts from different fields? Use the first section of the language learning plan to support your assessment. Your client can either use the language learning plan to reflect on the matter independently in advance, or you can discuss it together. If necessary, you can learn more about language proficiency requirements of different professions, official language tests, and language proficiency level descriptions..

Step 3: Client’s current language proficiency

Instruct your client to evaluate their current language proficiency. This section is also included in the language learning plan which aims to describe language proficiency in common terms using practical examples. The client can also assess their language proficiency by taking a self-assessment test. The test measures their ability to function in different scenarios. The results provide an assessment of language proficiency level across different dimensions of language proficiency. It is not an official language proficiency certificate, but it helps e.g. in choosing a suitable language course. 

Step 4: Client's language learning objectives

Help your client set language proficiency goals. Based on the above (the client’s language proficiency needs and their current proficiency level), you can discuss what the client still needs to learn to achieve the proficiency level required at work. The language learning plan includes a section on this. In this section objectives have again been described in an understandable and practical manner. Example objectives can also be used as a basis for additional personal objectives. Objectives can be set using the tool in our portal.

Step 5: Client's language learning style

In discussion with your client, establish their preferred language learning style e.g. based on how they have learned other languages in the past. Do they achieve their best results by studying textbooks by themselves, by participating in discussions, or by watching TV? Awareness of their learning style can help clients find a suitable way to develop their language proficiency. The language learning plan and language learning goals tool include a section on this subject. Examples of different learning methods also illustrate the many ways of learning a language.

Step 6: The next concrete actions

When your client’s needs, language proficiency, objectives, and learning style have been established, it is time to commit to next actions to develop their language proficiency and achieve their goal. The examples in our language learning plan can help your client understand how language learning can be supported. Even small commitments can drive their language learning. On the other hand, if the client has ambitious language proficiency goals, their actions should reflect them. 

Step 7: Materials for language learners from Kielibuusti

Guide your client to use materials available on the Kielibuusti website to support language learning. See our learners’ section for self-study materials, language courses and remote courses. The website also contains many tips for language study and how to increase language use in everyday life.

Bonus Step: Include Finnish in your sessions

The best way to learn language is to use it, which is why expanding the client's possibilities of using Finnish is essential. Using Finnish gives your client practice in language use and an experience that their language proficiency is useful. Even if the client’s language proficiency is not yet sufficient for having the session entirely in Finnish, you can have a part of the discussion in Finnish or use phrases in the discussion according to your client’s proficiency level. If the session is in Finnish, consider the client’s language proficiency and try to adapt your own language use accordingly. See our guidelines for clear language use and ensuring understanding as well as tips for multilingual interaction.