EN-148 Didactics of English, part 1 (level 8-13)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme

Teaching language

English

Course contents

The course is one part of the advanced education level 8-13 "Vocational subject", which consists av English didactics in two topics, pedagogy and praxis.

The course in English didactics is subdivided into three main areas:

• The school's position in society and the subject's place in education

• Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher

• Teaching and learning

The school's position in society and the subject's place in education deals with the distinctiveness of the subject of English, development and its legitimisation as a school subject, curriculum and other official documents. Central here is also analysis and critical reflection of didactical problems and issues.

Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher focuses on the role of the English teacher, youth culture and the diversity of the pupils' abilities. Practical pedagogical skills in classroom management,communication and good learning environments are also central.

Teaching and learning deals with didactic theories, working methods, learning strategies and teaching materials. The basic skills in English and interdisciplinary work will also be dealt with. Based on the students' proficiency in English and insight into the subject's didactics, the course will furthermore focus on didactic reflection and practical rehearsal in the form of planning, implementation, adjustment and assessment of the teaching of English in lower secondary school.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: Upon completion of the course the student has acquired

• Knowledge about English didactics aimed at levels 8-10

• Knowledge of: curriculum in English for lower secondary education, class management and the importance of good relations in the learning environment

• Knowledge of a variety of learning strategies, working methods and different learning contexts within English in lower secondary education

• Knowledge of youth culture, youth development and their awareness and interest in the subject plus being able to legitimise English as a school subject and as an important subject for the general sense of decorum

Skills: Upon completion of the course the student has acquired

• The ability to analyse the curriculum and prepare clear and relevant learning aims and to use their professional skills in English in a way that promotes good learning

• The ability to plan, implement, adjust, document and assess the teaching of English in lower secondary education based on research-based knowledge in the subject

• The ability to use and state the reason for varied work methods and teaching strategies adjusted to lower secondary education

• The ability to describe and convey hallmarks of competence and be able to assess and document pupils' skills

 General competence: Upon completion of the course the student has acquired

• Competence to discuss and convey didactic problems and issues and be able to develop his/her topical and didactic competence

• Competence to take a professional attitude and adhere to and endorse the ethical platform of the profession

• Competence to utilise results from academic, didactic and pedagogical research

• Competence to stay updated on current legislation and plans for professional practice in general and English in particular

Examination requirements

• Mandatory attendance (80%)

• For students who do English as subject 1 (master subject) the requirement is: passed didactic/practice related assignment

• For students who do English as subject 2 (year course) the requirement is: passed interdisciplinary assignment in pedagogy and English didactics

• Completed and passed practice

Teaching methods

Teaching will consist of a variety of work forms and will take the form of lectures, seminars, practice teaching and supervision, conversation, reflection, role-play, interviews, presentations, preparation of teaching and other practical exercises. Practical testing of various forms of activities relating to English and the role of the teacher will be central.

Besides teaching, students are expected to do work, both individually and in groups. A significant part of the students' learning and maturation will occur through such practice.
As the course is part of the advanced education level 8-13, it requires students' actual participation in practical assignments that are part of the teaching. Mandatory attendance will then be required. Students who have English as subject 2 (year course), will write an interdisciplinary assignment in pedagogy and English didactics.

Students who have English as subject 1 (master subject), will submit a didactic/praxis related assignment. This is done in advance of and in preparation for practice. The students will have six weeks of practice.

The estimated workload of the course is about 200 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination. Graded 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
EN-152 – Didactics of English, one subject only	7.5
EN-151 – Didactics of English, part 1	7.5