EN-445 Varied teaching- and learning methods in the English Classroom

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

Prerequisites

60 credits in English. EN-157 English Literature, Culture and Didactics 1,
EN-158 English Language and Didactics 1 and EN-159 English Language, Literature, Culture and Didactics in Context or equivalent courses.

Course contents

The course places special emphasis on various teaching and learning methods in the English classroom, with a special focus on grades 5-10. The students will become familiar with varied methods in language, culture and literature didactics. The methods will be exemplified in the classroom, which requires active participation on the part of the students. Learning and teaching strategies will be in focus in relation to the current curriculum with special emphasis on grades 5-10. Specific challenges connected to teaching English in a multicultural and multilingual classroom will also be discussed in the course.

The subject in the practice period

There are 25 days of practice in the eighth semester (taking charge of the school). On campus, the instruction takes places both before and after the practice. The course aims at preparing the students to further develop their professional abilities to plan, conduct, and evaluate English teaching in grades 5-10.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: After course completion, the student has

• thorough knowledge about varied teaching and learning methods in the subject English in grades 5-10

• thorough knowledge about planning of teaching sessions and progression related to pupils’ learning

• thorough knowledge about learning and teaching strategies adapted to the needs of individual pupils

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

Skills: After course completion, the student can

• account for varied teaching and learning methods in the English classroom

• account for central factors in planning and conducting of language instruction

• analyse and critically evaluate which methods are best suited for pupils’ learning

• apply the knowledge of methods and learning didactically and reflect upon the connection to the current curriculum for elementary education

General competence: After course completion, the student can

• 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

• critically reflect on teaching and learning methods in the subject English, including own teaching

Examination requirements

Teacher education students must:

• pass practice

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

• meet the attendance requirement

Other students must:

• pass didactic assignment replacing practice

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

• meet the attendance requirement

Teaching methods

Group work, lectures, alternative teaching methods. It is expected that the students participate actively during classes. The language of instruction is English. iPads, smart phones and other ICT technologies will be used in the course. There is a 70% obligatory attendance requirement.

The workload is estimated at 400 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

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

Portfolio exam. Graded assessment.