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:

• Global processes and migration
• The multicultural society in historical and contemporary perspectives
• Culture, religion and language development in national and global perspectives
• Ethics and attitude formation, along with identity and its formation, in national and global perspectives
• Equality, children’s rights, and the kindergarten as an area with opportunities for diversity.

Skills

The candidate has ability to:

• Adapt the operation of the kindergarten to the diversity of its children, parents and staff
• Analyse cultural and religious factors that influence children’s socialization and identity development
• Adopt a reflective attitude to the resources and challenges that a multicultural society offers
• Reflect on their own attitudes and assumptions with respect to a multicultural society
• Develop, manage and work in a multicultural environment.

General competence

The candidate has the competence to:

• Communicate and interact with relevant agencies
• Assess and use current research
• Reflect upon their role in children’s socialization and language development
• Reflect upon their own professional role and attitudes to the multicultural society
• Handle a variety of challenges in a multicultural environment.

Course Description

Multicultural work in the Pre-School Teacher Education study program is based on the subjects Social Studies; Religion, Life Stance and Ethics; and Norwegian. The course provides the student with a basis for creating equality and diversity in the kindergarten, where the kindergarten is adapted for diversity in its educational work with children and parents. Perspectives, theories and concepts from these three subjects will be included in the course. The course will give the student an understanding of the multicultural kindergarten from both national and global perspectives.

The course provides the student with the foundation to enable him/her to reflect upon their role in children’s socialization, in collaboration not only with colleagues and parents, but also with other professions and institutions that are involved in creating a happy childhood.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods will be adapted and vary dependent on the theme being covered. Key goals of the Pre-School Teacher study program such as the development of cooperative skills, understanding of the relationship between theory and the field of practical training, acceptance of others’ values and ability to be critical of their own positions, will be reflected in the methods used.

The course includes lectures, discussions, field trips, study abroad, fieldwork, seminars and group work.

Workshop days and study-days are mandatory.

Assessment Methods

The final grade is based on:

• Portfolio examination, weighted 40%
• Individual oral 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 final 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