Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Genres of children’s literature, and of literature as a source of experience, knowledge, cognition and language learning
• The major theories of multilingual development and second language learning
• The characteristics of an effective linguistic, mathematical and musical environment for children
• Children’s relationship to symbols and shapes
• How to organise learning so that children can develop good, stable concepts.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Facilitate successful reading experiences and discussions about texts with children
• Establish an effective environment in the kindergarten in terms of language, mathematics and music
• Teach stories and songs/music from the oral culture
• Implement activities that promote children’s awareness of, and familiarity with, symbols and shapes
• Carry out mathematical exercises using different number systems.

General competence

The candidate can:

• Assess literature for children
• Organise physical space and be familiar with relevant equipment
• Critically and independently reflect on the use of various assessment tools
• Carry out activities for children at different developmental levels on the basis of relevant theory
• Be reflective in terms of how to communicate with children and adults, and have a reflective relation to language as a transmitter of values, attitudes and meanings.

Course Description

The knowledge area will look at different genres of children’s literature and how to discuss the form and content of various texts with children. The overall focus is on developing students’ ability to think critically and independently about the importance of literature and music as aesthetic disciplines for children. In addition, the course deals with how literature in various ways reflects society and how it helps to shape the child’s experience of self, worldview, ethics, values, etc. It also nurtures the student’s ability as a cultural mediator. Furthermore, the course focuses on our different symbols and languages (such as letters, numbers and geometric shapes), and how children develop familiarity with these in meaningful relationships with other children and adults.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course uses varying teaching and learning methods depending on the theme being focused on. Teaching includes lectures and seminars in which dialogue, discussion, and practical exercises (individually and in groups) will be carried out.The parts of the course instruction that are mandatory are described in the semester plans.

Assessment Methods

The course includes three coursework requirements. One of the coursework requirements is related to music. The other two coursework requirements will either be related to other areas or interdisciplinary work. This will be clarified in the semester plan. The coursework must receive passing marks in order to be given a passing mark for the course.

The course incudes a final, individual six hour examination. It consists of two parts of equal weight in the assessment. Part A is related to language and text. Part B relates to mathematics. Both Part A and Part B must be passed in order for the examination to be given a passing mark. It will be assessed on a scale graded from A to F, where A represents the highest grade and E the lowest passing grade. Please refer to the Telemark University College Examination Regulations for further information.

Examination aids: calculator, drawing and writing materials.

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