Learning outcome

The course will prepare students, academically and didactically, to teach English at the upper primary and lower secondary levels.

KNOWLEDGE

Upon completing the course the student will have acquired knowledge of:

• English as a world language and lingua franca, and society, history and culture in English-speaking countries, focusing on the US and the UK.
• Intercultural communication and how language varies according to cultural and social contexts.
• The basic features of English grammar and phonetics as the basis for teaching and supervising pupils, with special emphasis on the linguistic similarities and differences between English and Norwegian.
• English literature, genres, techniques, reading strategies, as well as academic writing and the critical use of sources.
• The importance of basic skills for learning in general and the subject English in particular (being able to express oneself verbally and in writing, reading, arithmetic skills and using digital tools).
• Children and adolescents’ language learning in a second language perspective, language learning theories, assessment methods, strategies, learning-enhancing feedback and relevant national and international assessments.
• The current curriculum for the subject English and its relationship to European curricula.
• Relevant learning contexts, such as digital learning arenas, and an understanding of how they can be used effectively in teaching English.
• Various learning resources in English that can be used in the teaching at the upper primary and lower secondary levels.

SKILLS

Upon completing the course the student will be able to:

• Teach the subject professionally and didactically and with confidence in accordance with the current curriculum.
• Use oral and written English confidently and functionally, and be a good language model for pupils.
• Guide and facilitate pupils’ language learning and development.
• Adapt and vary teaching in relation to the basic skills.
• Help pupils develop their joy in reading and writing and to adopt relevant learning strategies.
• Carry out professional assessment practices, including self-assessment, continuous assessment, final assessment, assessment with and without grades, and feedback which promotes learning.
• Use the skills pupils already have regarding the English language and English-speaking cultures, such as in the areas of film, music and literature.
• Select and facilitate the educational use of diverse texts that are adapted to pupils’ backgrounds. Students will be able to use a selection of rhymes, songs, fairy tales and literary texts for children and adolescents from English-speaking cultures.
• Independently and in collaboration with others, plan, justify, implement and evaluate teaching English in accordance with the intentions of the curriculum and with regard to the linguistic and cultural diversity among pupils.
• Critically evaluate and use different tools in teaching English.
  

GENERAL SKILLS

Upon completing the course the student will be able to:

• Adapt relevant subject material and use it in a didactically and pedagogically appropriate way.
• Reflect on their learning, development and practical training in relation to ethical principles.
• Work independently and in collaboration with others with regard to pupils’ learning and development in English.

Course Description

The course consists of three integrated course units: language learning, literature and cultural studies and subject didactics.

Through their work on these course units, students will alternate between theoretical knowledge, professional development and didactic reflection, which they will be able to further develop and build on during their teaching practice.

Learning Methods

The course runs over two semesters, each semester comprising 15 ECTS. The course is structured around lectures and seminars; it also includes group work / discussion groups, presentations, individual tutorials and independent study. If possible, an academic study trip to an English-speaking country will be planned. If for some reason a student is unable to participate in the study trip, he/she will write an assignment related to cultural studies after consulting with the instructor.

Students should acquire insight into the issues the course focuses on and be able to discuss them objectively and critically.

Assessment Methods

Course requirements

During the study programme in English students must meet the following course requirements:
Course requirement 1:
In the first semester students will give an oral presentation about a book which they have selected. This course requirement is related to the English course (code: 501).
Course requirement 2:
In the second semester, students will write a detailed teaching plan which they will use during their period of teaching practice. This course requirement is related to the English course (code: 502).

These course requirements must be approved and the mandatory attendance requirements fulfilled before the student will be permitted to receive further assessment.

Continuous and final assessment

1st semester:

ENG501 English 1, part 1:2 (15 ECTS), graded mark: A-F (50%)

The assessment consists of two components, both of which must receive passing marks in order to receive a final passing grade for the course.

• 4-hour written examination in language (phonetics and grammar). This counts for 60% of the grade (Grade: A-F).
• Portfolio texts: Two written assignments that count for 40% of the grade (Grade: A-F).

2nd semester:

ENG502 English 1, part 2:2 (15 ECTS), graded mark: A-F (50%)

The assessment consists of two components, both of which must receive passing marks in order to receive a final passing grade for the course.

• Portfolio texts: Two written assignments that count for 40% of the grade (Grade: A-F).
• Oral examination that counts for 60% of the grade (Grade: A-F).

The oral examination covers the curriculum in relation to knowledge of culture and literature. Emphasis will be placed on the students’ knowledge, language skills and ability to engage in professional and didactic reflection. In addition, submitted assignments and/or the book presentation may also be subject to examination. When all the assessment components have received passing marks, separate overall grades will be given for the courses in English (code: 501) and English (code: 502).

Assessment is made on a scale of A - F, where A is the highest passing grade and F represents a fail.

Examination aids in the language examination: none.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean