PED237 Characteristics of Norwegian and Comparative Education
- ECTS Credits:
- 15
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Course Leader:
- Andrea Stefanie Hillen
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Bachelor's Programme in Education
- Comparative Educational Studies
- Exchange Student
Teaching language
English.Course contents
The course is built on the principle of learning through comparison. Norway is used as a common point of reference to form the basis of comparisons to the countries represented by international students enrolled in the course. An overview of the Norwegian curriculum, characteristics of Norwegian schools, historical factors, and other information about Norwegian society in relation to the Norwegian system of education will be presented. Students will choose an area of interest, develop a research question, and design and implement a comparative study in that area. For example, the student may choose to investigate the use of certain strategies, subject areas, or look at approaches with respect to a particular age group. Important questions that will guide the activities of the course are: How are international comparisons made? Why is it important to make these comparisons? What are the dangers or precautions that we need to be aware of in making such comparisons?
Learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
-
demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles of international and comparative education
-
describe the central concepts of international and comparative research
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apply these principles and concepts to comparative analysis of educational practices and policies
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formulate a general understanding of the Norwegian educational system, its characteristics and objectives
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reflect on practical experiences, such as observation in Norwegian schools and/or preschools, and compare the functioning of these institutions to similar entities in other countries
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describe current issues and trends in international and comparative education
Examination requirements
Attendance at 70 % of the lectures and a minimum of two visits to Norwegian educational institutions.
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Students participating in the practical experience are required to submit a written summary of their activities approved by the school mentor and course instructor(s).
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Students who conduct the theoretical analysis are required to submit a written paper examining 2-3 research articles in the field of comparative education to be approved by the course instructor(s).
Topic and literature for the individual assignment must be approved.
Teaching methods
Working methods will involve a combination of lectures, group work, self-study, individual tutorials and visits to schools or other institutions. Students will choose between (a) participating in a practical experience or (b) conducting a theoretical analysis of comparative research. Students who select the practical experience will be placed in a school or preschool as observers under the supervision of a mentor. They must complete at least 10-15 hours of observation individually or in pairs. Visits must take place over a minimum of 2 weeks but can span over a longer period. Students who choose the theoretical analysis will conduct an investigation of research literature and/or policy under the supervision of the course instructor(s).
Estimated hours of work is 400.
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.
Offered as Single Standing Module
Yes, subject to capacity.
Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module
The course is open for students who are training to become teachers and students who are studying education in courses that do not in themselves lead to qualified teacher status.
Assessment methods and criteria
5-hour written examination. Graded assessment.
Other information
Before participating in school practice or school visits all students must
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Sign a declaration of confidentiality
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Present a valid certificate of good conduct issued by the police
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 |
|---|---|
| PED216 – Education in Norway and in other Countries | 15 |