Learning outcome

The Bachelor’s thesis is an independent, research-based work in which students formulate and respond to a selected question. The question should reflect central professional or practical challenges in special education. The thesis should aim to give a comprehensive and coherent presentation and understanding of key issues in professional practice. Through the teaching of topics and work on the thesis, the student will acquire reflective and critical skills in relation to special educational activities.

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 basic research methodology relevant to the study of special education
• Can explain the central professional and practical challenges in special education
• Can explain the topic explored by the Bachelor’s thesis

Skills

The candidate can:

• Critically analyse relevant research in the field of special education
• Apply methodology in the design of their thesis
• Demonstrate skills in academic writing

General competence

The candidate can:

• On a research-based foundation, demonstrate academic and critical reflection on key issues relating to special education
• Relate independently to ethical issues in research

Course Description

Thematically, the work of the Bachelor’s thesis will be based on a relevant topic in the field of special education. The thesis will be completed individually; however, it may also be part of a larger research project, perhaps linked to other students' theses or the research of the course lecturer. The student should, in the process of writing the thesis, orient themselves extensively in literature in the field and other sources (e.g. articles, journals, topical debates, etc.) that are relevant to the thesis question. This also means using different sources on the same topic and taking a critical look at the production of so-called "truths".

Prior to the work on the Bachelor’s thesis, meetings, talks and tutorials will be arranged to help students get started. A mandatory research course in scientific theory and research methodology will be given and function as a knowledge base and general preparation for the work on the thesis.

Students should be familiar with the Department of Pedagogy’s Guidelines for Writing a Bachelor’s Thesis when writing their thesis.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The student will receive up to 3 hours guidance in his/her work on writing the thesis. Guidance will be given in groups and individually. In the group supervision, it is essential that the student uses his/her own guidance skills in relation to others in the group.

The thesis should comprise a maximum of 20 pages/approx. 12,000 words (cf. The Department of Pedagogy’s Guidelines for Writing a Bachelor’s Thesis).

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
The methodology course and thesis seminar are mandatory.
The methodology course and project plan must be approved before the student can submit his/her thesis for assessment.

Final assessment SPES 3012
Graded assessment of the Bachelor’s thesis.

The course may be subject to minor changes.

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