Course content

The course is the first of two practicum courses in the FPPU program. It consists of at least 30 days of supervised, varied, and assessed practice. The practicum builds on the student’s subject knowledge so that the student develops professional competence both through theoretical reflection and through the development of their own academic, pedagogical, and subject didactic knowledge and skills.

For students in FPPU-A:

The courses in pedagogy, subject didactics, and practicum provide the foundation for teaching grades 5-13. The practicum training in the program must be carried out in the subject(s) the student was admitted to in the FPPU program. Students admitted in two subjects must divide their practicum between both teaching subjects. Students admitted in one subject must complete all practicum in that subject. All practicum is supervised and takes place in authentic professional situations with pupils in school. Students must have practicum experience in both primary school and upper secondary education, with at least 20 days in each school level. Students with a background in common core subjects in upper secondary education should meet pupils from different educational programs during the practicum. The practicum may be carried out individually or in pairs.

For students in FPPU-Y:

The courses in pedagogy, vocational didactics, and practicum provide the foundation for teaching grades 8-13. The practicum training must be carried out in the program area/subject the student was admitted to in the FPPU program. All practicum is supervised and takes place in authentic professional situations with pupils in school, apprentices in training offices, or training companies. Students must have practicum experience both at the lower secondary level and in upper secondary education. Practicum at the lower secondary level must comprise 10 days. Up to 10 days may be completed in a training office or training company. The practicum may be carried out individually or in pairs.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of the teacher’s tasks, roles, and responsibilities in education
• has knowledge of the current curriculum framework
• is familiar with the school as an organization

Skills

The student:

• can plan, implement, and reflect on teaching based on research- and experience-based knowledge
• can lead and facilitate teaching sequences that promote good academic and social learning processes
• can adapt instruction and create a motivating and inclusive learning environment
• can provide feedback that promotes learning and help pupils/apprentices reflect on their own learning and professional development

General Competence

The student:

• can build relationships with pupils/apprentices and parents
• can collaborate and communicate with fellow students, pupils/apprentices, and teachers
• can act in accordance with professional ethics when interacting with pupils/apprentices and teachers

Learning methods and activities

The practicum is carried out in two periods spread across the autumn and spring semesters. In practicum period 1, 10 days of practicum are completed during the autumn semester. For FPPU-Y students, practicum period 1 must take place at the lower secondary level. In practicum period 2, 20 days of practicum are completed during the spring semester. A full practicum training comprises at least 30 days. The student is expected to follow normal working days at the practicum school, participate in the school’s meetings, alternative learning activities, and explore the school as an organization (SIL). Students are responsible for organizing their own practicum by finding a placement and preparing an implementation plan that must be approved by the department. For students with a background in performing arts subjects, up to 50% of the practicum may be completed in a culture school. Students who are employed in a school should complete at least 50% of their practicum at a different school than their own workplace.

In addition to school-based practicum, there is also some on-campus instruction. Campus instruction consists of theme days and lectures, as well as teaching related to practicum.

All school-based practicum is mandatory. Absence due to illness must be reported immediately to the practicum teacher at the school. Any absence does not change the requirement for the total practicum duration. This means that all missed practicum days must be made up at a later time.

Compulsory assignments

• Development talk
• Practice visits
• 75% participation in teaching at Campus
• Knowledge about the school as an organisation
• Teacher profile
• Micro teaching

Specific conditions