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:

• Supervision as a method for the development of their own and others’ professional competence
• The theoretical approaches of supervision, the supervisor role and different strategies in the supervision process
• Pedagogical leadership, and leadership theories and processes in organizations
• Organizational theory, organizational understanding and influence from the environment
• Learning organizations, innovation processes, personnel development and skills development
• Kindergarten policies nationally and internationally, education reforms and the kindergarten’s position in the administrative chain.

Skills

The candidate:

• Has insight into what it means to be a leader in the kindergarten, and has an understanding of the relational aspects of leadership and organizational work
• Can perform and solve problems related to planning, implementation and evaluation of development, management actions and guidance in kindergarten
• Can use his/her leadership and mentoring skills to promote innovation and learning within the organization
• Can recognize and demonstrate an understanding of ethical dilemmas in educational development, managerial work and guidance
• Can lead and develop the kindergarten in line with core values and a social mandate.

General competence

The candidate:

• Has insight into the planning, implementation and evaluation of educational development
• Has knowledge of legal, administrative and economic perspectives in relation to the kindergarten as an organization
• Understands the interaction and cooperation between the administrative management and the political authorities
• Has developed an understanding of the basic processes of the organization in terms of relationships, communication, conflict and power.
  

Course Description

Major course unit 1: Pedagogical Development Work, Leadership, and the Kindergarten as a Learning Organization
This major course unit covers pedagogical leadership, professional competence, pedagogical documentation, curriculum work, scientific theory and methodology. In addition, it focuses on the kindergarten as a learning organization and pedagogical development work, along with supervision of personnel in the kindergarten and different approaches to leadership. Professional ethics and critical reflection are also covered.
Major course unit 2: Supervision in the Kindergarten, Communication and Relationships
This major course unit focuses on the leader as a supervisor, supervision as method, and communication and dialogue. Key areas are relationship work, relationship skills, innovation processes, personnel, and improving competence.
Major course unit 3: Leadership of the Kindergarten as an Organization
This major course unit deals with the kindergarten’s organizational culture and structure, the kindergarten’s role in society, cooperation with the kindergarten’s stakeholders, communication, conflicts and power. Furthermore, the work environment, national and international kindergarten policies, government reforms and the interaction and cooperation between administrative management and the government are focused on. The key components are leadership, legal, administrative and financial perspectives.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is taught over one semester and includes joint workshops and a two-week period of practical training.

The teaching and learning methods vary depending on thematic content. The methods include dialogue, reflection, self-study, discussion of assignments, lectures, seminar groups, and written and oral presentations which emphasise skills and knowledge in relation to leadership, supervision and pedagogical development. Students will work and be supervised both individually and in groups. It is stressed that the course requires active student participation. The assignments require cooperation and contact with the field of practical training.

The workshops and study-days are mandatory.

Assessment Methods

• Group oral presentation assignment, weighted 40%.
• Individual written home 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