FR-401 Didactics of French

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

Teaching language

French/Norwegian

Prerequisites

FR-127

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. The work with the National Curriculum Regulations for 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 printed and digital teaching materials that are suited for the teaching of French on levels 11-13. 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 there will be focus on practical rehearsal in the form of planning, conducting, adapting and assessing French teaching on levels 11-13.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Upon completion of the course students shall have acquired

• Knowledge of the National Curriculum for Foreign Languages, Level 11-13, and how it is adapted to French

• Knowledge about French didactics aimed at level 11-13

• Knowledge of different learning strategies, work methods and learning arenas suitable for French

• Knowledge about basic proficiency in French

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

• models and theories for classroom management, relation building and learning environment

• Knowledge about the pupils' cultural expressions and their interest in the subject

• The ability to legitimate French as a subject and an important element 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 11-13

• 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 11-13

• 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 11-13

• Be able to analyze the National Curriculum and produce clear and relevant learning aims on level 11-13

• Be able to evaluate and use different teaching materials, use various work methods and learning strategies aimed at level 11-13

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%)

• For students who have selected French as subject 1: An interdisciplinary R&D assignment must be assessed as a pass. Instructions will be given separately.

• For students who have selected French as subject 2: A didactical assignment related to the practice must be assessed as a pass

Teaching methods

The teaching will be characterized by a variety of work methods in the form of lectures, conversation, the use of digital aids, school visits, practice and supervision. The students will also be responsible for planning and implementing teaching for fellow-students, based on varied work methods.

Apart from the teaching itself, students will be expected to work with various tasks, individually and in groups. These activities will be important for the student's learning and development. The students' actual participation in practical tasks is a necessary part of the teaching. Mandatory attendance will then be required.

Students who have selected French as the first language will, in pairs or in small groups, write an interdisciplinary R&D assignment related to the practice. Instructions for the presentation of the R&D work will be described separately.

Students who have selected French as the second subject will write an interdisciplinary assignment.

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

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

Term paper, approximately 3500 words. 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
FR-402 – 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-400 – Didactics of French, part 2 (level 8-13)	7.5