SV-144 Didactics in Social Science, part 1 (8-13)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

The course is part of the Advanced teacher Education, consisting of didactics in two subjects, pedagogy and practice.

The course in didactics in social science studies is divided into three main areas:

Schools in the soceity and the subject in the school

Knowledge of the pupil and role of the teacher

Teaching and Learning

Schools in the soceity and the subject in the school deals with social science as a subject with its own special traits, development and legitimisation as a school subject in lower secondary schools, curriculum and other governing documents. Analysis and critical reflection on didactic issues are central.

Knowledge of the pupil and role of the teacher revolves around the role of social science teacher in lower secondary schools, the multicultural school, youth culture and the diversity of students' backgrounds and abilities. Practical pedagogical skills in classroom management, communication and building good relations and constructive learning environment is also essential.

Teaching and Learning focuses on didactic theories, diverse ways of working and learning. The main area also deals with the basic skills and interdisciplinary work, and various learning materials that are suitable in lower secondary schools. Based on the students' academic skills in social studies and insight into the subject didactics, the main subject further focus on didactic reflection and practical exercise in terms of planning, implementation, customization and evaluation of social science teaching in secondary schools.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

After completing the course, students will:

• have didactic knowledge in social sciences aimed at steps 8-10

• have knowledge of the curricula in social science studies, as well as current laws and plans for lower secondary level

• have knowledge of classroom management and the importance of good relationships and learning environment

• have knowledge of different learning strategies, working methods and learning arenas in social sciences aimed at lower secondary level

• have knowledge about youth, about youth development and their political awareness and interest in the subject.

• be knowledgeable about its role and place in the multicultural society

• legitimize social science studies as a school subject and as an important subject for democratic knowledge

 

Skills

After completing the course, students will:

• deploy their didactic knowledge in the social sciences in a way that promotes good academic and social learning

• plan, implement, adapt, document and evaluate teaching in the social sciences in lower secondary schools based on research and experience-based knowledge in the subject

• be able to analyze the curricula and prepare clear and relevant learning goals

• be able to describe and convey the characteristics of competence, give feedback that promotes learning and evaluate and document the pupils' skills and help pupils to reflect on their own learning and academic development

• use and justify varied working methods and learning strategies adapted to the lower secondary level

• assess and adopt different learning aids and learning arenas in teaching adapted lower secondary schools.

 

General competence

 

After completing the course, students will:

• be able to discuss and disseminate scientific and didactic issues

• possess a professional attitude and adhere to and endorse the profession's ethical platform

• be able to develop their academic and didactic skills

• be able to utilize the results of scientific, didactic and pedagogical research.

Examination requirements

Compulsory attendance (80%).

For students taking social studies as a course 1 (master course), the following graduation requirements are to be fullfilled: Passed practice related task.

For students taking social studies as a course 2 (one-year programme), the following graduation requirements are to be fullfilled: Passed interdisciplinary task of pedagogy and didactics.

Practice must be passed in order to take the exam.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be characterized by a variety of work, and will take the form of lectures, practice and guidance, excursions, conversation, reflection, role play, interviews, presentations, preparation of educational programs and other practical exercises. Practical testing of different forms of work related to social sciences and the teacher's role will be central.

In addition to formal teaching, students are expected to do work, both individually and in groups. A significant part of students' learning and maturation will occur through such private efforts.

Since the course is part of the profession subject, it requires the students' actual participation in practical exercises that are part of the teaching. Therefor compulsory participation is practised.

Students taking social sciences as a course 2 (one-year programme) will have to complete a multidisciplinary task in pedagogy and didactics.

Students taking social sciences as a course 1 (master course) shall submit a written practice related task (implemented in preparation for practice).

Students will have six weeks practice.

Expected scope of the course is 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. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

4-hour graded individual written examination