Participation Rules

Participation rules for language courses at the FLC

Übersicht über die Teilnahmemöglichkeiten am Zentrum für Fremdsprachen

1. What are the rules for participating in language courses?

... and why are they important?

graphic subheading course participation

Regular participation

  • ... because the language courses give you a fixed structure and a time frame in which you can work intensively on the language.
  • ... because regular active practice with others helps to consolidate your learning.
  • ... because active participation in class over 60 contact hours is required for successful completion of modules earning 5 ECTS.

Active and constructive cooperation

  • ... because interaction among class members and with the teacher is essential to develop language competences and communication skills.
  • ... because you receive direct and individual feedback from qualified teachers.
  • ... because active participation in class over 60 contact hours is required for successful completion of modules earning 5 ECTS.

Independent preparation / completion of follow-up tasks (homework)

  • ... because being present in the course and completing assignments and tasks keeps you active and engaged, which can lead to better learning outcomes.
  • ... because a self-study/homework component of equivalent duration to 90 units is considered to be an integral part of modules earning 5 ECTS credits.

Notification in cases of absence

  • ... because unannounced absence disturbs the flow of the lessons and the learning process for other students as well as for the teachers and will affect the learning environment for the other participants.
  • ... because you show respect for the course leaders, organisers and other participants by notifying them if you cannot attend.
  • ... because you respect the time and efforts of others and take responsibility for your own decisions.

Punctual attendance

  • ... because you may miss important instructions or the start of group activities and this can make you feel disconnected and make it harder to fit into the learning community.
  • ... because punctuality is an important skill that is valued in many professional environments and you can already practise it here in your studies.

2. What are the regulations for participation in language courses for the TUC language certificate?

... and why is that important?

graphic subheading course participation with TUC language certificate

Read the TUC Language Certificate Regulations

Do not miss more than four sessions

  • ... because the above-mentioned regulations stipulate that TUC language certificate candidates must regularly attend the explicitly-defined courses of the respective certificate level.
  • ... because, as a rule, only four absences are tolerated for a 4-unit course and two absences for a 2-unit course.

What happens then?

  • After the fourth absence, we reserve the right to exclude you from face-to-face course participation and from the ongoing support of the teacher.
  • However, participation in the final exam is still possible.
  • Therefore, speak to your teacher in good time if there are classes which you may not be able to attend.

What rules apply when taking an exam (without attending a course)?

... and why is that important?

graphic subheading examinations only

Enrol in a course during the enrolment period

  • ... because we have to register you as a member of an OPAL course as an "examination participant only" if you wish to take the examination only, or want to repeat the examination without attending the course a second time.

Attend the  first session of the course

  • ... because this is how the teacher will put you on the list for the examination.
  • ... because this is the ideal opportunity to arrange the date for parts of the examination or for the performance of pre-examination requirements.

Do not forget to register for exams with the Central Exams Office (ZPA)

  • ... because registration for exams at the end of courses during the semester takes place centrally during the registration period (usually about two weeks after the start of lectures), even for examinations which do not take place until the end of the semester. 

Independent and self-reliant exam preparation

  • ... because you are responsible for your own learning process here and will not receive any learning guidance, learning support or consultations from teachers. You will still be expected to inform yourself of any course or exam-relevant announcements by regular checking of the Language Centre Website, OPAL, and your university email account.

Use of course materials and independent learning materials

  • ... because you should support your learning process with our course materials as well as specially selected materials of your own.

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