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:

• Research in the natural sciences
• Adapted learning

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply the current curricula in planning, implementation and evaluation of teaching natural sciences
• Evaluate and use various teaching methods in natural sciences
• Assess and design assignments and practical work that is relevant to the curriculum
• Evaluate and use various teaching materials
• Evaluate and use various forms of pupil assessment
• Discuss criteria for grading in the natural sciences based on the curriculum

General competence

The candidate can

• Ensure that pupils develop a positive relationship to natural sciences in terms of their further interest in the subject and participation in public debate

Course Description

The course is a practical and theoretical study of natural science didactics. The course is one semester’s duration and forms part of the teacher training study program (PPU), which provides teaching qualifications in natural sciences. Please refer to “learning outcomes” above.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is divided into two components of 15 ECTS each:

1. General natural sciences didactics
2. Specialisation

The course requires a minimum of 80% attendance. The workshops include discussions / assignments that are difficult for students to complete by means of self study.

The teaching practice is of 12 weeks duration; refer to the teaching practice plan.

Emphasis will be placed on varied teaching and learning methods in line with the objectives of the curricula for primary and secondary education. In addition to lectures and various approaches to the natural sciences, emphasis will be placed on the students’ own activities, individual assignments, use of ICT, discussions / dialogue and group work.

The specialisation assignment comprises 15 ECTS. Independent study of specialisation syllabus.

Assessment Methods

Submitted assignments, practical tasks and mandatory teaching practice in the current semester must receive passing marks, and the specialisation assignment must be submitted, before the student will be permitted to sit the final examination. An overall grade will be given for all the components.

The weighting between the different examination components (30 ECTS) is:

• Practical tasks: pass / fail
• Natural sciences didactics, written assignments graded A - F: weighted 20%
• Natural sciences oral examination graded A - F: weighted 30%
• Specialisation assignment with oral examination graded A - F, weighted 50%

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