course-details-portlet

MGLU5242

Scientific theory and method (social sciences, CREE, pedagogy)

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The subject deals with scientific ways of thinking in school and the teaching profession. It will focus on various research paradigms, traditions, and the relationship between ontology, epistemology, and the choice of research approaches. Students will receive training and practice in the use of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, including source-critical methods. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on research design, emphasizing the relationship between theme, problem statement, research questions, and the use of relevant theory and methods. Research ethics and issues concerning privacy are also part of the subject. Students will develop an understanding of how the theory of science and research methods are relevant to work in schools.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The student

  • has in-depth knowledge of various research paradigms and the relationships between ontological and epistemological standpoints and the choice of research methods
  • has in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of various research designs and research methods and how this can promote scientific thinking in schools
  • has advanced knowledge of privacy and research ethics guidelines
  • has advanced knowledge of how scientific subject matter from their own research is presented and made relevant for professional and pedagogical work in schools
  • has in-depth knowledge of various methods for data collection and analysis of data material and how this can be used in their own teaching in schools
  • has in-depth knowledge of the theory of science and qualitative and quantitative methods to be able to conduct scientific investigations within their subject area

SKILLS

The student

  • can design and carry out independent research projects/empirical investigations and critically relate to their own choices
  • can make reasoned choices of methods for collecting and analyzing data material and use this didactically in work with exploratory teaching
  • can assess whether the project makes it necessary to apply for project approval from SIKT and can, in collaboration with the supervisor, apply for this if required
  • can analyze and critically relate to knowledge sources (subject literature and data material) and use them to structure and formulate professional reasoning
  • can analyze and critically relate to national and international professionally relevant research and apply this knowledge in professional practice

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student

  • can analyze relevant issues related to their own research field and school subjects
  • can contribute to development work that promotes professional and pedagogical innovation in schools
  • can use scientific thinking in the classroom, school, and teaching profession
  • can assess and ensure the quality of their own and others’ research and use research in work in schools

Learning methods and activities

The subject includes lectures, seminars, guidance, work with assignments, individually and in groups, oral and written student presentations and fellow student feedback. It is expected that all students contribute actively in the various activities. The students must submit a written project assignment. The project assignment will form the scientific theoretical and research methodological basis for the research project. Detailed requirements and delivery deadline will be announced at the start of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory activities according to the course description

Further on evaluation

Written and oral work requirements individually or in groups, as well as compulsory attendance at certain teaching sessions. Detailed requirements and submission deadlines will be announced at the start of the semester. The students must deliver a project assignment which will be a preliminary project for the master's thesis, in which they describe and provide the basis for the theme, problem, theory and methods.

Compulsory work requirements must be approved before you can sit for the exam.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10)

Required previous knowledge

Pass social studies 1 and written exam in social studies 2 or

pass Pedagogy and student knowledge 1,2 and 3. Pass 30 credits in a subject at master's level in social pedagogy or special pedagogy in the third year of primary school teacher education

or passed KRLE 1 and KRLE 2 (60 credits in total).

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MGLU5211 15 sp Autumn 2025
MGLU5106 15 sp Autumn 2025
MGLU5506 15 sp Autumn 2025
MGLU5229 15 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Teacher Education
  • Social Studies

Contact information

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-19 Time 09:00 Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 lyseblå sone
96 candidates

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.