EN-447 English Language and Learning

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

Teaching language

English

Course contents

The course focuses on teaching English as a foreign language in Norwegian schools, with special attention to grades 5-10. The students will study the contrasts between Norwegian and English which tend to create problems for pupils learning English. Learning and teaching strategies conforming to the current curriculum, with special focus on grades 5-10, will be given special attention. Specific challenges connected to teaching English in a multicultural and multilingual classroom will also be discussed in the course.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: After course completion, the student should have

• thorough knowledge about the important contrasts between Norwegian and English and their importance for additional language learning in grades 5-10

• thorough knowledge about language learning theories, also those which have influenced language didactics in Norwegian schools

• thorough knowledge about learning and teaching strategies conforming to the current curriculum

• thorough knowledge about research in language didactics and research methods in the subject English in grades 5-10 in Norwegian schools

Skills: After course completion, the student should be able to

• account for the most important contrasts between Norwegian and English and their importance for additional language learning in grades 5-10

• account for central factors and theories in additional language learning

• analyze and critically evaluate different language learning theories

• critically apply the knowledge in a pedagogical and reflected manner, according to the current curriculum

• apply relevant methods in didactic research related to language

General competence: After course completion, the student will be able to

• use their knowledge as a basis for further studies of language didactics and for research and development work

• apply their knowledge and skills in teaching and planning of teaching in grades 5-10, research communication and information work

• reflect upon English as a school subject in an independent and critical manner

Examination requirements

Teacher education students must pass:

• practice

• obligatory assignments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)

Other students must pass:

• a didactic assignment corresponding to the workload of practice teaching

• obligatory assignments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)

Teaching methods

Group work and lectures. Students should participate actively on a regular basis. English is used in all classes. iPads, smart phones and other ICT tools will be used in the course.

The workload of the course is estimated to 400 hours.

The subject in the practice period

During the 7^th semester there will be a five-day practice period as a preparation for the 25 days practice (taking charge of the school) during the 8^th semester. Students will work with the course on campus before and after the practice period. The course will equip the students with skills that will enable them to plan, conduct, and assess teaching of literature and culture for pupils in grades 5-10.

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.

Admission for external candidates

No

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes, subject to availability and capacity. The candidates must fulfill the criteria specified under “special admission requirements” below.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

For students taking single standing modules: completed teacher education aimed at primary or secondary school, and at least 60 credits in English.

Assessment methods and criteria

Two-week individual home-exam, 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-217 – Engelsk språk og læring	10
EN-221 – Engelskfaget i norsk skole	10
EN-430 – English Language and Learning	7.5