Course content

On the one side special education concerns working with children and youths that have learning disabilities, their teachers and parents. On the other side special education concerns supporting teachers and schools in increasing their knowledge and skills concerning how to prevent learning disabilities to occur. This content is also present in this course. With various theoretical perspectives on behavioural problems as a starting point, the focus will be on how to prevent such problems, how to reduce such problems when they have already occurred, and how to help and support pupils with identified behavioural problems. Throughout the study there is an emphasis om how theories can be helpful when it comes to reflection and practice.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to give students a basic insight into behavioural problems amongst children and adolescents, and various strategies to prevent and address such problems.

Learning methods and activities

3 hours of lectures per week, 2 hours seminar per week.
Compulsory activity: Participation in 80 % of teaching program and seminar, participation in practical-methodical training, practical work report, practical work for two of the courses PED3542-3544 are to last a minimum of three weeks.

Form of assessment: Obligatory assignment, 6-8 pages (Times New roman 12, spacing 1,5). Topic may be connected to practical work, and chosen by student in cooperation with the lecturer. The prepared obligatory assignment is to be prepared on a group basis under supervision (no more than 4 persons per assignment). 6-hour individual written exam. The individual written exam counts for 60% of the final grade. The obligatory assignment counts for 40% of the final grade.

If less than 10 students sign up for the course it may be cancelled.

Compulsory assignments

• 80 % approved attendance in lectures and seminars
• 1.5 weeks of external practice. Approved practice report

Required previous knowledge

Either Bachelor Degree majoring in Education Studies (82,5 Credits) which includes exams in the following courses: PED1000, PED1001, PED1002, PED1003, PED1004 (the obligatory courses in the Bachelor Degree), or completed the first three years of teacher training-/pre-school teacher training, or Bachelor Degree including 2 years of teacher training/pre-school teacher training, or Bachelor Degree and 1 year teacher training.

Credit reductions