BUL100K Children's development, play and learning

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Pre-school Education

Teaching language

Norwegian.

Prerequisites

None.

Course contents

In this field of knowledge, students are made familiar with theories and research regarding children's development, learning and education. Play is a central theme, and students learn among other things about play as a phenomenon in childhood and life. Focus is also directed towards the youngest children at the daycare center as well as children¿s right to participation and how this influences the pre-school teacher's work. Children¿s use of digital tools will be introduced during the semester. Additionally, the pre-school teacher¿s role and responsibility is emphasized. This responsibility comprises among other things the ability to lead a children¿s group, enter into relationships with the individual child and well as have pedagogical responsibility for the entire daycare center. Students receive a thorough introduction in didactics, observation and pedagogical documentation. This field of knowledge expands on teacher education subjects pedagogics, drama and physical education.

Learning outcomes

 

KNOWLEDGE

Students will acquire:

• knowledge about current theories and research regarding children¿s development, play, learning and education

• knowledge about play as a phenomenon in childhood and life, as an arena for learning, friendship and contact between children

• knowledge about observation and pedagogical documentation as a prerequisite for didactic planning

• knowledge about children¿s behavior, young children¿s need for caring, play and learning

• knowledge about pedagogic and digital tools that can promote children¿s play and learning and how these can be used creatively and critically
  

SKILL
Students will be able to:

• enter into caring relationships with children characterized by empathy and acknowledgement

• appear as a conscious role model for both children and in cooperation with personnel and parents/guardians

• organize and disseminate daycare center content in such a manner that this includes children¿s experiences, interests and right to participation

• plan, justify and reflect upon their own and others pedagogic work in light of the framework plan, practical experiences, theory and research

• analyze and reflect upon basic questions regarding social and cultural diversity and use this as a resource in their pedagogical work

• lead pedagogical processes as well as acknowledge and support children¿s curiosity and creative expression in versatile play and learning experiences

 

GENERAL SKILLS
Students will be able to:

• use their professional and pedagogical competency in relation to both practical and theoretical problems

• organize, inspire and further develop children's play

• express tolerance, interest and respect for all children regardless of age, social, cultural, religious or spiritual affiliation

• demonstrate ethical and professional insight based on democracy and equality

• analyze and reflect critically upon professional challenges connected with children's development, play, learning and education

• articulate, disseminate and further develop their own competency regarding pedagogical work with children

Examination requirements

In order to be allowed to sit the examination, students must have passed teaching practice and work assignments as well as participated in compulsory instruction. Work requirements are specified in the course schedule found in Fronter.

Teaching methods

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars as well as students¿ own work, both individually and in groups. Teaching practice gives students experience with how knowledge, skills and general competency are integrated in the pedagogic work in daycare centers. Teaching practice lasts 20 days and is an integrated part of this field of knowledge. Further description of content and progression in teaching practice may be found in course schedules and in the document Teaching Practice for Pre-School Teacher Education

Evaluation

Course evaluation takes place as a midterm evaluation in accordance with normal schemes in the Quality Assurance System Chapter 2.1.1. A final evaluation may be completed as required

Assessment methods and criteria

Fall: Individual 4-hour written examination submitted digitally. Graded assessment.
Spring: Portfolio assessment.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
BUL100D – Children's development, play and learning	20
BUL102K – Children's development, play and learning 1	15