FR-127 Didactics of French

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

Teaching language

French/Norwegian

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 French, its development and its legitimization as a school subject. It also deals with the position of the French language in an international context. Knowledge of the National Curriculum Regulations for lower secondary school and reflections on didactical problems will also be focused.

Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher examines the role of the French teacher, and how knowledge of youth culture and the diversity of the pupils' background and abilities influence the teacher's work. Reflection on the teacher's French language proficiency and the teacher as a role model will also be emphasized.

Teaching and learning treats didactic theories, work methods and learning strategies, as well as teaching materials that are suited for the teaching of French on levels 8-10. The main focus will be on teaching basic French language proficiency and interdisciplinary basic skills. The students will be acquainted with various teaching materials and practical rehearsal aimed at planning, conducting, adapting and assessing French teaching on levels 8-10.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Upon completion of the course students shall have acquired

• Knowledge of French didactics

• Knowledge of the National Curriculum for Foreign Languages, Level 1, and how it is adapted to French

• Knowledge about didactical theories and problems in French aimed at levels 8-10

• Knowledge of different learning strategies, learning arenas and work methods in French on level 8-10

• Knowledge of basic language proficiency in French

• Knowledge about the multicultural school and the possibilities and challenges it represents for teaching French

• Knowledge about the pupils' cultural expression and their interest in and awareness of the subject

• Ability to justify French as a school subject and as a subject that is important for formation

Skills
Upon completion of the course students shall

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

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

• Be able to plan, implement, adapt and evaluate the teaching of French on level 8-10

• Be able to analyze the National Curriculum and produce clear and relevant learning aims on level 8-10

• Be able to evaluate and use different teaching materials, use various work methods and learning strategies aimed at level 8-10

General competence
Upon completion of the course students shall

• Be able to reflect on and discuss didactical problems in general and in French in particular

• Have a professional attitude and be able to reflect critically on questions related to both subject and teaching

• Be able to further develop his/her own topical and didactical competence and contribute to collaboration on teaching and school development

Examination requirements

Completed and passed practice

Mandatory attendance (80%)

Mandatory attendance at the pre-course

For students who have selected French as subject 1: The presentation of a teachingplan must be assessed as a pass

For students who have selected French as subject 2: The interdisciplinary assignment must be assessed as a pass

Teaching methods

The teaching will be characterized by a variety of work methods in the form of lectures, practice and supervision, conversation, reflection, presentations, preparation of teaching plans and practical exercises. The language of teaching will be French whenever possible.

Apart from the teaching itself, students will be expected to work with various tasks, individually and in groups.

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

The students who have selected French as the second subject will write an interdisciplinary assignment with pedagogy. The students may choose language for the assignment (French or Norwegian) in agreement with the teacher.

The students who have selected French as the first subject will present and reflect on a teaching plan.

The students will have six weeks of practice.

The workload is estimated to 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.

Admission for external candidates

No

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination, incurding a prepared presentation. Pass/Fail.

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
FR-128 – Didactics of French, one subject only	7.5
FR-107 – Didactics of French in the in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education	7.5
FR-108 – Didactics of French in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, one subject only	7.5
FR-126 – Didactics of French, part 1 (level 8-13)	7.5