Course content

The course is the second of two practicum courses in the FPPU program. It consists of at least 30 days of supervised, varied, and assessed practice. PPU4422 builds on the competencies achieved in the practicum course PPU4421.

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

The student:

• has knowledge of the school as an organization, collaboration with parents, and other relevant partners
• has in-depth knowledge of current laws and regulations governing professional practice
• has knowledge of children and young people in difficult life situations, their rights, and how to initiate necessary measures in accordance with applicable legislation

Skills

The student:

• can lead and facilitate teaching sequences that promote good academic and social learning processes
• can use varied teaching methods, differentiate and adapt instruction in accordance with the current curriculum framework, and create a motivating and inclusive learning environment
• can describe indicators of competence and assess and document pupils’/apprentices’ learning

General Competence

The student:

• demonstrates a professional attitude and can critically reflect on academic, professional ethical, and educational policy issues
• can, with a high degree of independence, further develop their own competence and contribute to the development of both colleagues and the school
• can build relationships with pupils/apprentices and parents, and collaborate with stakeholders relevant to the school system

Learning methods and activities

The practicum is carried out as practicum period 3. In practicum period 3, 30 days are completed during the second year of study. 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’s internal life (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.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Passed PPU4413.