EN-152 Didactics of English, one subject only

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

Teaching language

English

Course contents

The course is a part of the 1-year programme in educational theory and practice which consists of didactics in one or two school subjects, pedagogy and practice.

The course 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 position of education in society and the subject's place in education deals with the distinctiveness of the subject of English, its development and its legitimization as a school subject, knowledge of the National Curriculum Regulations for lower secondary school. Analysis and reflections on didactical problems will also be focused.

Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher examines the role of the English teacher, and how knowledge of youth culture and the diversity of the pupils' background and abilities influence the teacher's work. Pedagogical skills in class management, communication and building good learning environments will be focused.

Teaching and learning deals with didactic theories, varied working methods and learning strategies. Basic skills, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration will be discussed. The students will be acquainted with various teaching materials including digital tools, and will get practical rehearsal aimed at planning, conducting, adapting, varying and assessing teaching at level 8-10.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Upon completion of the course students shall have acquired

• Knowledge about didactical theories and problems in English aimed at level 8-10

• Knowledge of the National Curriculum for Foreign Languages, Level 1, and how it is adapted to English, classroom management and the importance of good relations in the learning environment

• Knowledge of different learning strategies and working methods and learning arenas in English at level 8-10

• Knowledge about the pupils' cultural expression, their development and their interest in and awareness of the subject and also be able to legitimate English as a school subject and its importance for formation

• Have knowledge about scientific thought and method in subject and didactics

• Have knowledge about the various phases of a research process

Skills
Upon completion of the course students shall

• Be able to apply knowledge about the National Curriculum for Foreign Languages and the characteristics of English in order to promote good learning processes at level 8-10

• Be able to apply knowledge about youth culture and the diversity of the pupils' backgrounds, and the ability to facilitate learning in English at level 8-10

• Be able to plan, implement, adapt, vary, document and assess the teaching of English at level 8-10 based on research based knowledge

• Be able to use and legitimate a variety of teaching methods and learning strategies aimed at level 8-10

• Be able to describe and present characteristics of competence, and to assess and document the pupils¿ competence

• Be able to plan and prepare a research design with a researchable problem, method and data collection

• Be able to apply language proficiency in English in a way that promotes good topical and social learning processes

General competence
Upon completion of the course students shall

• Be able to discuss and present didactical problems in general and in English in particular

• Be able to further develop his/her own topical and didactical competence

• Have a professional attitude and be able to adhere to the professional ethical platform

• Be able to stay updated on current regulations and plans for the profession in general and for English in particular

• Have competence in research ethics

Examination requirements

• Completed and passed practice

• Mandatory attendance (80%)

• Mandatory attendance at the pre-course

• The interdisciplinary assignment with didactics and pedagogy must be assessed as a pass

• Special requirements for students doing one subject only must be approved. Further information will be given when the semester starts.

Teaching methods

The teaching will be characterized by a variety of work methods in the form of lectures, seminars, practice and supervision, conversation, reflection, role play, interviews, presentations, planning and implementing teaching and other practical exercises. Practical testing of various teaching methods related to English and the teacher role will also be central.

Apart from the teaching itself, students will be expected to work with various tasks, individually and in groups. A considerable amount of the students' learning and development will depend on individual efforts.

The students' actual participation in practical tasks is a necessary part of the teaching. Mandatory attendance will then be required, including the pre-course.

Students will during the semester plan a research project and prepare a plan for implementation (research design). The plan must contain a problem, relevant theory, as well as method and arrangements for the collection of data.

The students will have six weeks of practice, mainly in lower secondary school.

The workload is estimated to about 400 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.

Admission for external candidates

No

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination (70%) Graded assessment
Written assignment (30%) Graded assessment

For the grade to be valid both examinations must be assessed as a pass.

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-109 – Didactics of English in the in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, one subject only	15
EN-151 – Didactics of English, part 1	7.5
EN-108 – Didactics of English in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education	7.5
EN-148 – Didactics of English, part 1 (level 8-13)	7.5
EN-474 – Specialization assignment for one-subject students – English	7.5