This paper presents a development project of a module of mathematics of social sector and healthcare within a higher education preparatory program for adult immigrants. The pilot of this module was planned and implemented in the framework of a two-year project called Getting ready funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland. The module at hand was implemented online in summer semester 2019 and it was provided by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in the metropolitan area of Finland. The target group of the project is adult immigrants pursuing higher education in Finland, it is they are Finnish as a second language (S2) learners. In order to serve the needs of this group, an understanding of the language’s role in mathematics learning is of the essence.

The online mathematics module was planned and implemented in spring – summer 2019. We utilized a web-based learning platform and compiled an entity of tutorial videos, theoretical explanations and a wide range of exercises for the purposes of social services and health care. The wording was modified in taking account the S2 learners. To support the students, we also organized Skype workshops to enhance the usage of mathematical language in interaction.

According to the students’ feedback and learning results, the methods of the module were quite effective and as such, they are applicable also in future implementations.