Learning outcome

The thesis is an independent, research-based piece of work in which students formulate and answer a chosen question. The thesis question should relate to central practical, professional and / or educational challenges in the lower secondary school. The purpose of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive and coherent presentation and understanding of key issues in professional practice. Through the teaching of topics and work on the thesis, the candidate will have acquired reflective and critical skills in relation to school activities.

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The candidate:

- Has gained insight into key research methods relevant to the study of activities in schools and education more generally

- Can explain the key practical professional and educational challenges in primary and lower secondary schools

- Give an account of the subject that the she/he has focused on in his/her Bachelor’s thesis

Skills

The candidate can:

- Critically analyse relevant research on learning activities and school development

- Apply theoretical methodological knowledge in the design of his/her Bachelor’s thesis

- Apply skills in academic writing

General competence
The candidate can:

- On a research-based foundation demonstrate academic and critical reflection on key issues relating to school activities

- Examine research-ethical questions

Course Description

Thematically, the work of the Bachelor’s thesis is related to the subjects studied by the student in the first three years of study. The thesis is an individual piece of work; however, it may also be part of a larger research project, for example, linked to other students’ theses, or the subject teachers’ research work. Students should, through the process of the work with the thesis, orientate themselves extensively in the literature and other information (articles, journals, topical debates) that are relevant to the thesis question. This also means using different sources on the same topic and adopting a critical view to the presentation of “truths”.

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

The thesis should focus on teaching activities in year 5 - 10 in the lower secondary school.

Students should refer to the college guidelines for writing Bachelor theses (GLU. i.e. Teacher education study programmes).

Teaching and Learning Methods

The student will receive guidance in his/her work on writing the Bachelor’s thesis. Guidance will be given in groups and individually. In group supervision, it is essential that the student uses his/her own skills in guidance to contribute in relation to the others in the group. The guidance will mainly be provided by the subject teacher who teaches the subject which is the main focus of the thesis. The organization of guidance is specified in the “The Guidelines for Thesis Writing (GLU)”.

The thesis should comprise a maximum of 20 pages / approx 10,000 words (cf. general guidelines for academic writing).

The thesis will also be presented orally or by any another form of presentation.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment

Methodology classes, group and individual tutoring is mandatory.

The methodology course must be passed and the project plan approved before the Bachelor’s thesis can be finally approved.

Final assessment (PEL 504)

The thesis is an individual assignment.

The thesis will be given a graded mark.

The final grades for each course (PEL 501, 502, 503, 504) will be entered on the diploma.

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