EN-442 Didactics of English

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

EN-151

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 and knowledge of the National Curriculum Regulations for upper 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 in focus.

Teaching and learning deal with didactic theories, varied working methods and learning strategies. Basic skills, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration will be discussed. Based on the students¿ topical competence in English and insight into its didactics, the course will focus on didactical reflection and practical rehearsal in the form of planning, conducting, adapting, varying and assessing teaching at level 11-13.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Upon completion of the course the student has acquired

• Knowledge about didactical theories and problems in English aimed at level 11-13

• Knowledge about the National Curriculum and how it is adapted to English

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

• Knowledge about different learning strategies, work methods and learning arenas, also digital arenas, in English at the various levels and programme options

• Knowledge about the multicultural and multilingual school and how English as a subject may be used in this context

• Knowledge about youth-culture, the development of young people and Anglo-American influence

Skills
Upon completion of the course the student should

• Be able to use digital skills and topical and didactical knowledge of English in a way that promotes good topical and social learning processes

• Be able to plan, implement, adapt, document and evaluate the teaching of English in various educational programmes at level 11-13 based on research based and experiential knowledge about the subject and didactics

• Be able to analyze the National Curriculum and plan concise and relevant teaching aims for different levels, and appear as a clear and concise classroom manager

• Be able to establish and maintain safe, motivating and inclusive learning environments by applying and legitimating choices of varied teaching methods and learning strategies adapted to level and educational programme

General competence
Upon completion of the course the student should

• Be able to make use of the relation between subject, didactics, pedagogy and practice in a school situation

• Be able to discuss and present topical and didactical problems at an advanced level

• Be able to apply results from topical, didactical and pedagogical research, and initiate subject-methodological development

• 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%)

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

• For students who have selected English 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, seminars, practice and supervision, excursions, conversation, reflection, role play, interviews, presentations, planning and implementing teaching and other practical exercises. 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.

Students who have selected English 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 English as the second subject will write a didactical / practice related assignment.

The students will have six weeks of practice in 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

4-hour written 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-443 – 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-438 – Didactics of English, part 2 (level 8-13)	7.5