Course content

The course is part of the professional education courses in the 5-year-integrated master study programmes for teacher education, and the final of three courses in educational theory.

This course will focus on the topic of the teacher in school and the school's role in society, and the student should understand the connections between the teacher's professional practice, the school's practice, and educational policy. Speaking, reading, and writing using professional language will develop the student into an independent teacher. Additionally, the course focuses on critically discussing various theoretical positions, ethical perspectives, and research methods.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the history and politics of education.
• has knowledge of the teacher's role in the school as an organization and the school's role in society.
• has knowledge of youth culture and insight into youth culture in society.

Skills

The student

• can raise pedagogical issues and discuss them critically and independently.
• can use theoretical and empirical knowledge to develop educational practices.
• can discuss educational policy guidelines, ideologies, and practices in the development of a democratic school and a democratic society.
• can critically reflect on and apply various assessment methods.

General Competence

The student

• can discuss formation, democracy, and equality from theoretical and ethical perspectives.
• has basic insight into social science research methodology and theoretical issues in educational research.
• can understand the school as an institution in a historical and political context.
• has a professional attitude towards and can critically reflect on the teacher's scope of action in light of educational policy guidelines, ethical perspectives, and contextual factors.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching alternates between teaching in major groups, working in seminar classes, and working in smaller groups.

The teaching emphasizes varied forms of work to develop the student's educational knowledge, skills, and general competence. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary studies, through a group-based research and development work. The R&D work is based on central topics in the subject PPU4603 Educational Theory. Criteria and literature for this assignment will be given at the beginning of the semester.

A certification responsibility has been ascribed to NTNU, to ensure that students master key competences for their future profession as teachers for grades 8-13. It is essential that students develop into independent and responsible teachers who are able to cooperate with peer students and future colleagues. Personal effort is important not only for own learning, but also for peers' and colleagues' professional development. A minimum of 75 % attendance is hence required to be allowed to sit the exam in the course. All obligatory activities must be approved before students can sit the exams.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory participation in teaching periods
• RnD work for guidance
• Compulsory papers and activities

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Student is required to pass the exams according to the study plan. The prerequisites must be fulfilled in order to start the course.

Credit reductions