EN-151 Didactics of English, part 1

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 work methods and learning strategies. Basic skills, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration will be discussed. Based on the students¿ knowledge of English and their insight into the didactics of the subject, the course will focus on didactical reflection and practical rehearsal in the form of 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,

• Knowledge about classroom management and the importance of good relations in the learning environment

• Knowledge of different learning strategies and teaching methods and learning arenas, also digital 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

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 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

General competence
Upon completion of the course students shall

• Be able to discuss and present didactical problems and 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 apply results from topical, didactical and pedagogical research

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

Examination requirements

• Completed and passed practice

• Mandatory attendance (80%)

• Mandatory attendance at the pre-course

• For students with English as the first subject: A didactical /practice related assignment must be assessed as a pass.

• For students with English as the second subject: An interdisciplinary assignment with English didactics and pedagogy must be assessed as a pass.

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 practical rehearsal. 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 who have selected English as the second subject will write an interdisciplinary assignment with English didactics and pedagogy.

Students who have selected English as the first subject will hand in a didactical/ practice related assignment. This will take place before and as a preparation for the practice.

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

The workload is estimated to about 200 hours.

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.

Admission for external candidates

No

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination
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-152 – Didactics of English, one subject only	7.5
EN-108 – Didactics of English in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education	7.5
EN-109 – Didactics of English in the in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, one subject only	7.5
EN-148 – Didactics of English, part 1 (level 8-13)	7.5