EN-504 Theory and Methods for the Researching Teacher, English

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Subject didactics in Teacher Education Level 5-10, 2-year Master’s Programme
• Master's 5-Year Programme in Teacher Education, level 5-10

Course contents

5 ECTS credits in this course are identical for all students in the Teacher Education Programme aimed at primary and lower secondary schools (learning outcomes in italics). This common part deals with themes that are relevant for the researching teacher: philosophy of science, research ethics, information retrieval and use, and academic reading and writing.

10 ECTS credits pertain to the didactics of English as a school subject and this part of the course deals with topics within methodology and theory of science relevant to English as a school subject. The course will emphasise English as a disciplinary subject and English as a school subject and discuss the development of the research history. The course will also present a selection of theories and methods particular for language, culture and literature related to English as a school subject.

Through the coursework, the students will acquire a solid academic foundation enabling them to carry out a supervised research project (the master’s thesis)which is applied in nature and related to the teaching profession.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: The newly educated teacher has

• In-depth knowledge about the philosophy of science and methodology relevant to the teacher researcher

• In-depth knowledge about research ethics, information retrieval and use, and academic reading and writing

• In-depth knowledge about research traditions and information retrieval in English as a school subject

• In-depth knowledge about academic reading and writing in English

• In-depth knowledge about research theories and methodologies as applied in the didactics of English language, culture and literature

Skills: The newly educated teacher

• Is able to apply and critically assess various research methods that are relevant for classroom research / school research

• Is able to use digital search tools to find relevant research literature and assess it critically

• Is able to apply and assess different theories and methods used in research related to English as a school subject and English didactics

• Is able to apply and assess sources relevant to academic writing in and about English as a school subject

• Is able to apply and assess theories and methods adapted to questions related to the didactics of English language, literature and culture

General competence: The newly educated teacher

• Is able to contribute to research-based development work that enhances academic and pedagogical innovation in schools on an advanced level

• Is able to contribute to the academic discourse within English didactics on an advanced level

• Is able to plan, implement and assess teaching plans in English as a school subject based on acquired competence within methodology and theory of science on an advanced level

Examination requirements

All obligatory assignments must be passed. The number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester.

All obligatory assignments must be passed. The number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester.

Teaching methods

The students will meet a variety of work methods such as lectures, seminars, assignments, oral presentations and supervision. Through exemplified teaching methods, the students will experience how one as a teacher can work as a researcher in a professional community. In addition to the teaching, the students are expected to work with assignments and literature, both individually and in groups. A considerable part of the students’ learning and development will depend on individual effort.

The workload is estimated at 400 hours;130 hours for the common part and 270 for the subject-specific topics.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, 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. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual semester paper on a given topic, graded assessment.