Nordic and International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
See study programmeThe course is designed for international and local teacher students, pre-school teacher students and students of related study programmes. For the students of Nord University the study is part of the concurrent and integrated teacher education programmes (7th term) and pre-school teacher education programme (5th term).
This is a course intended to develop knowledge about and understanding of Nordic and international perspectives on teaching and learning in nursery schools/kindergarten, primary and lower secondary education.
It has a particular emphasis on the region's geographical position and natural surroundings in terms of wildlife, environmental issues, coastal tradition and indigenous culture and how these conditions influence aspects of childhood and education. The course offers an important contrastive dimension in terms of developing awareness of own culture and other cultures' perspectives and attitudes to childhood, teaching and learning.
Our academic staff employ various teaching methods and a variety of learning activities. These include lectures, discussions, group work, student presentations in seminars and field excursions. Learning is based primarily on student activity, using methods such as "inquiry based learning" and "cooperative learning". Students are strongly involved in shaping the learning process, with an emphasis on student knowledge and experience.
Students will undertake a four-week work placement at a kindergarten or primary/lower secondary school in Norway (international students) or abroad (Norwegian students).
Knowledge
Upon completion, the student will have:
- Knowledge about contrastive elements in attitudes regarding education, teaching and learning
- Knowledge about Norway and Scandinavia (geography, history, religion and society)
- Knowledge about different outdoor learning arenas
- Knowledge about cultural artefacts, folklore and traditions in a comparative and educational perspective
- Knowledge about the region's Sámi population today and historically
- Knowledge about the region's wildlife and issues related to sustainability and the environment
- Knowledge about basic structures of the Norwegian language and some basic methodology of foreign language teaching
Skills
Upon completion, the student should be able to:
- identify, compare and contrast attitudes regarding childhood, teaching and learning in their own culture and other cultures
- describe and explain the position of the Sámi population in Central Scandinavia
- describe and explain issues related to sustainability
- master a range of skills related to outdoor activities
- organize outdoor activities for children in kindergarten and school
- plan, carry out and evaluate practice teaching in chosen subjects in consultation with a practice supervisor
- understand simple Norwegian texts and communicate orally in basic Norwegian
General competence
Upon completion, the student will:
- understand the importance of sustainable education
- understand the value of ethical and responsible attitudes towards nature
- understand the value of intercultural understanding
- understand the value of outdoor education
- be able to reflect upon one's own culture and other cultures' perspectives on teaching and learning
Exchange students are admitted on the basis of nomination by their home institution. This means that you will have to apply to your home university first to participate. Your home institution will provide you with information about the admission requirements.
Intermediate level in English.
Updated Certificate of Good Conduct / Criminal Records Certificate issued by local police authority.
Places on the course are limited. Half of the places are reserved for students of Nord University who are enrolled in the programmes Pre-School Teacher Education and Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education. For international teacher students, pre-school teacher students and students of related study programmes, priority is given to students from partner institutions. We give high priority to the diversity of the group, using geographical spread as selection criteria if the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available.
No tuition fees.
Semester fee: All students studying at Nord University, except ERASMUS Plus students and exchange students from other partner institutions, must pay the semester fee.
Cost of course literature apply.
Assessment tasks (AK)
- 1-2 written reports in accordance with the teachers - approved/ not approved
- Minimum 1 presentation in lecture, seminar or other planned learning activities - approved/ not approved
- Minimum 80 % attendance in lectures, seminars, excursions and other planned learning activities. Active participation and cooperation between students is essential for attaining the skills and competencies described in the learning outcomes. Approved/ not approved
Professional practice (PR)
- Practice placement in school, kindergarten or other relevant institution - passed/not passed
Examination
Compound assessment (SV):
- Written school examination (SK), 4 Hours. Worth 50/100 of the grade - A-F
- Written assignment (OP): Teaching practice report, worth 50/100 of the grade - A-F