Course Description

The programme prepares students for using music activities in day care centres. Musical expression represents a major characteristic of the pre-school child’s behaviour, play and communication. To stimulate and further develop the child’s receptive and expressive abilities in this area, students will acquire knowledge concerning the subject of music, and how to teach it.

Various forms and expressions of music represent basic ways of interacting and showing feelings in all cultures. Music represents an important element in our common cultural heritage and provides us with knowledge of our past and our traditions.

We live in a multicultural society that focuses on media. The programme discusses questions related to the music that is accessible through the various media and cross-cultural forms of music.

Music is an arts subject that includes song, dance, performing and listening activities. It has its own rules and forms, represented by a non-verbal language where interaction, playing and listening are important.

The active development of musical skills is an important part of the student’s own development.

Self-development, self-insight and attitude development related to the subject are basic prerequisites for understanding music and its importance to pre-school children.

The subject requires a substantial amount of independent study. It is important that students are aware of their co-responsibility regarding their own musical development and learning.

Students are required to have a guitar at the beginning of the course.

In our time it is important to transmit to children a cultural identity, and music represents an important tool in this context. Teaching will therefore concentrate on Norwegian culture and tradition, but music and culture from other countries will also be emphasised.

Assessment Methods

Practical Examinations/Tests:

• Ensemble playing
• Playing the guitar

Pass/fail

Work Portfolio assessment

The portfolio should include:

• A folder illustrating the repertoire containing 30 musical activities for pre-school children including at least 15 songs/song games.
• Home assignment in music theory
• Teaching-practice story

Approved/not approved

Presentation portfolio

• Students choose 8 musical activities from the repertoire folder for assessment.
• Individual subject/didactic home assignment

The presentation portfolio is assessed as a whole and awarded a graded mark.

Final examination

Final examination – practical/didactic assignment – groups. Each group consists of 4 students. The groups are selected and receive their assignment 14 days before the final examination. The group is required to submit a written document (2-3 pages) describing their plan. The assignment consists in planning and teaching a music class for pre-school children. Each group will use 30 minutes to present their plan. The external examiner will use 30 minutes to examine the written document and ask the group questions. All members of the group are responsible for the plan and presentation.

Each student is assessed individually and awarded a graded mark. The presentation portfolio counts for 40% of the final mark, and the final examination counts for 60%. The diploma will include a single graded mark, graded from A to F, where A is the highest mark, and E the lowest passing mark. Refer also to Telemark University College Examination Regulation.

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