Course content

The course develops understanding of education policy and institutional practices that are important for inclusion and exclusion processes in schools and kindergartens. Here, policy and practice with which the students themselves have experience will form the starting point for exploring education policy. The course facilitates critical reflection linked to various dilemmas that come with categorization and diagnosis with a view to the best interests of the child. Engaging with children's own categorization and marking of hierarchy and difference is important to facilitate community and belonging in school and kindergarten. Furthermore, work with children's life worlds will form a starting point for understanding important difference-making dimensions in children's lives, and the challenges and opportunities these provide. The subject provides insight into children's and young people's experience of and opportunity to be involved and significant in their own education. The course emphasizes understanding of the teacher's role in exclusion and inclusion mechanisms with a focus on the development of equality and difference in educational relationships as well as the importance of the school and kindergarten as democratic social institutions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge about the different conditions and worlds of children and young people, and how education can contribute to strengthening the individual child's flourishing and mastery in school and society
• can understand children's and young people's experiences of connection and meaning in light of and with respect for their unique ways of being and opportunities
• has understanding of children with different learning needs and how such needs can be accommodated and seen as a resource in meeting the school's demands.

Skills

The student

• can engage with children's life worlds and horizon of experience in teaching and learning processes
• can act in solidarity in relation to children who experience exclusion
• can create safe, appreciative and equal relationships for all children and young people in school

General competence:

The student

• has personal competence and experience as a basis for being able to analyze and reflect critically about themselves, about their own values, and about choices and actions in encounters with different children
• can act critically in relation to educational practices and their consequences for different children with a view to renewing school practice
• can make and formulate independent interpretations of what should apply in school in critical-constructive dialogue with current educational policy

Learning methods and activities

The course is conducted in three physical sessions.

Learning methods: Lectures and workshops with ample opportunities for participant activity, reflections, discussions in small groups and in plenary, exercises, and guidance related to written work.

Mandatory activities

• Submission of draft examination paper

• Oral presentation

• Attendance at at least two of three sessions

Compulsory assignments

• Draft examination paper
• Oral presentation 
• Attendance

Specific conditions