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:

• Common plants and animals native to Norway and their interaction in nature
• The physical world, environmental issues, and sustainable development
• The human body, children’s physical and motor development, and the importance this has for children’s learning and development
• Different forms of play and physical activity, and understanding of how this can affect a child’s physical capacity, general development, and motor development
• Children’s play, learning and social interaction.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Identify plants, animals and other organisms in nature
• Organise and implement science activities indoors and outdoors
• Plan, implement and evaluate physical environments for children through various forms of play and physical activity, indoors and outdoors, in all seasons
• Develop children’s skills in play and physical activity through diverse movement activities and experiences in different environments
• Perform basic and lifesaving first aid.

General competence

The candidate has/can:

• A reflective attitude towards the child’s wonder of nature
• Promote understanding of nature, the local community and the environment through outdoor activities and pursuits
• Competence in the use of nature and physical activities in pedagogical work.

Course Description

The course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of the most common plants and animals native to Norway, and a fundamental understanding of ecology. The wonder of nature’s diversity and the opportunities and challenges presented in the kindergarten’s natural environment will also be discussed.

Children’s physical and motor development and the importance bodily awareness has for general development and learning are emphasized. The impact of play on children’s development and learning is also an important part of the course content. Facilitation of activity environments that provide children of different abilities with all-round movement opportunities and positive experiences individually and together with others in nature will be given priority. Bodily health through movement and knowledge of the human body are also key topics. All students must complete a course in lifesaving first aid.

The course also includes a winter course that focuses on the dissemination of culture and sustainable development. The development of specific skills in facilitating diverse movement experiences for children in areas suitable for skiing activities and ski games will be important, as will creating science activities adapted to winter.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is organized so that theory and practice are integrated. Field studies and practical exercises that provide experiences of nature are central to the discipline. Instruction will partly take place outdoors.

The students will gain experience of how nature, health and movement may be adapted and integrated into the day-to-day life of a kindergarten. Practical training will highlight the relationship between theory and practice so that students will understand the importance of theoretical understanding as a basis for working with nature, health and movement in the kindergarten.

The parts of the course instruction that are mandatory are described in the semester plans.

Assessment Methods

Coursework requirements:

• Lifesaving first aid
• Group assignment ‘Nature all year round’
• Three-day winter course (two nights)

All coursework requirements must receive passing marks in order to receive a passing mark for the course.

Assessment with grade:

• Practical group examination with children and documentation, weighted 40%
• Individual six hour written examination, weighted 60%

A single letter grade (A to F) will be entered on the diploma, where A represents the highest and E the lowest passing grade. Each element of the course must be completed with a passing mark in order for the student to achieve a passing mark in the course. Please refer to the Telemark University College Examination Regulations for further information.

The course is subject to minor changes.

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