Welfare Technology
See study programmeThe course aims to develop knowledge about and understanding of Nordic and international perspectives on teaching and learning in kindergarten, primary and lower secondary schools. It has a particular emphasis on the region's geographical positioning 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 one's own culture, and other cultures' perspectives and attitudes regarding 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
Higher Education Entrance Qualification
Priority is given to students from the partner institutions of The Faculty of Teacher Eucation Levanger (ERASMUS+ / EEA/Norway Grants)
Compulsory coursework assignments
- Submission of 1-2 written reports. Informal assessment
- Minimum one presentation given in a lecture or seminar
- Practice placement in school, kindergarten or other relevant institution: pass/fail
- Compulsory attendance in all classes, seminars, excursions and other planned activities
- For the 3BLU (Norwegian) students: One coursework assignment in Yrkesetisk dannelse (Professional Ethics Education)
Exam
- Individual grading (A-F) based on:
- Individual written exam (4 hours) based on the Learning outcomes and relevant course literature, 50 % of total grade. Internal examiner.
- Individual teaching practice report; 50 % of total grade. Internal examiner.