Examination arrangement

Course content

Based on professional practice and theoretical perspectives, the course will help the MA student acquire in-depth knowledge of scientific analysis and reflection. The student will, through academic issues, analysis of policy documents and documentation of work processes, apply acquired knowledge to communicate, analyse and conclude in relation to subjects and occupational areas, traditions and their place in society. The student can, based on the work process and the use of digital documentation tools, assess quality. The students will thereby acquire skills to analyse and critically relate to sources of information, theories and interpretations. The course includes theoretical and practical knowledge about guidance, recognition, reflection and ethics. Based on professional practice, the student should independently outline a development project in which the student analyses and discusses challenges and contributions to innovation within their field of study. The study includes practical documentation and theoretical analyses that deal with democracy, democratic learning processes, culture and judgement. The student can document, analyse and evaluate democratic learning processes in school and business based on their vocation and professional experience.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of scientific traditions relevant to vocational issues
• has in-depth knowledge of assessment of quality
• has knowledge of the analysis of relevant professional and didactic issues within VET based on the different vocations’ policy documents, traditions, characteristics and place in society.

Skills

The student

• is able to analyse working processes as well as be critical to information sources, theories and interpretations for structuring and formulating professional reasoning and problem solving
• can carry out a development project using scientific methods and critically reflect on choice of theories
• can use relevant methods and theories to structure and formulate a learning environment characterized by mutual respect, equality and collaboration
• is able to analyse relevant professional and didactic vocational issues and challenges based on vocational policy documents as well as the vocational traditions, characteristics and place in society

General competence

The student

• can identify and analyse relevant vocational and professional ethical issues
• is able to communicate and apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to professional development within their own field
• can use their knowledge and skills to develop a democratic learning environment characterized by involvement and participation that strengthen individuals autonomy

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, individual work, group work and student presentations. Use of digital tools. Fixed groups are organized at the beginning of the semester. The subject is based on practical experience from the vocational field and is the basis for the students work, presentations, discussions and reflections.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory work according to course description

Further on evaluation

Mandatory work: One presentation which includes the use of a digital tool, group discussions/ reflections and a presentation of a development project. The obligatory course work requires attendance at the gatherings. Compulsory activities are assessed as approved / not approved and must be approved for the student to qualify for the oral examination. Assessment form and rating scale Oral group exam. The form of assessment is an oral group exam based on group processes, group assignments and presentations during the semester. The group defines a concrete issue for the exam. The group has 20 minutes at its disposal. The choice of presentation is open. The students must present their problem/issue and theoretically based reflections leaning on the syllabus literature in the course. Then follows a 20-30 minutes long conversation where the examiners ask questions and engage in dialogue with all participants in the group. Examination support materials allowed:notes, digital presentations (PowerPoint, film or similar). The exam is assessed as passed/not passed. The students in the group receive individual grades. In case of a postponed examination, the form of examination may be held as an individual oral examination.

Recommended previous knowledge

Vocational courses (cf. admission requirements), which include both vocational, pedagogical and didactic perspectives.

Course materials

Books and articles in English and Norwegian / Scandinavian languages. The syllabus is posted on Blackboard before the semester starts.

Credit reductions