Course Objectives

Students will do comprehensive work with various activities related to theoretical material in the areas of didactics and education, and during the period of practice. They will develop the ability to analyse curriculum intentions as a basis for the planning, implementation and evaluation of adapted teaching in physical education and sport subjects on the basis of their students' backgrounds and the subject's special character.

Course Description

Subject didactics concerns issues that are shaped by the meeting between subject studies, pedagogy and practical training. In this study of subject didactics it is essential that students, practice training mentors, subject teachers and the teachers of pedagogy share a common understanding and work together to develop goals, target areas and teaching and learning methods.

The subject didactics’ target area in the three-year programme addresses the following topics:

• The legitimation, character and development of Physical Education
• Planning
• The preparation, implementation and evaluation of teaching and training methods
• Competence to manage development and change

The character of the subject is such that it relates to all areas of study throughout the programme. The curriculum expresses the goals and target areas that characterise the programme over its three-year duration (p.23).

Practical-methodological situations, especially in relation to the field of practical training, constitute an important basis for specialisation.

5 ECTS, 1st year of study

In seeking to achieve the goals mentioned above, in the first year of study the following topics will be addressed:

• Challenges in the practice field
• Subject didactics’ connections to the various activity disciplines
• Subject didactics’ theoretical models, teaching methods
• The character of Physical Education / various subject approaches
• Curriculum assessment
• The role of the teacher in the subject, Physical Education
• Pupil assessment

Practical experience will be explored by applying general theoretical models that will provide a basis for reflection and argument. Discussion must be based on relevant experience, basic theory and a formal foundation.

10 ECTS 2nd year of study

Subject didactics consists of 10 ECTS during the second year of the programme and is a continuation of the studies in the first year. The second year includes the following target areas:

• The characteristics of the subject, Physical Education, development and legitimation
• Planning
• Organising, implementing and assessing teaching and training

The characteristics of the subject, Physical Education, development and legitimation:

• Physical Education, past and present
• Various approaches to the subject in a multicultural society

Planning:

• From curriculum to practice
• Thematic project work and interdisciplinary activities

Organisation, implementation and assessment of teaching and training:

• Goals, teaching and learning methods, and assessment in the subject
• The individual backgrounds of pupils
• The teacher’s role
• Adapted learning in schools
• Pupil assessment

15 ECTS, 3rd year of study

In the third year of study students will plan and complete a specialisation assignment. The work on the assignment begins with an introduction to science and methodology. This work will provide students with insight into the different phases of development as well as training in completing a written report which addresses a question related to the subject area. The work should relate to the subjects Physical Education and Sports.
The assignment should demonstrate that the student has:

• Developed and formulated a clear problem
• Applied scientific approaches to a problem area and selected an appropriate design
• Demonstrated the ability to critically interpret their data

The choice of the specialisation assignment must be approved by the subject teacher / tutor.
The work should be presented in a written report and submitted by mid-March.

Learning Methods

As mentioned above work on subject didactics should be included in each of the three years of study, and together with pedagogy and training practice serves a linking function for the various elements of the programme.
5 ECTS, 1st year / 1-year programme
The practical approach to subject didactics is emphasised during the first year, and it is essential to establish coordination with the activity teacher throughout the whole of the programme.
The following teaching and learning methods will be used:

• Practical work experience which will form the basis for subject didactics issues
• Problem-based approaches to various issues
• Themes and individual project
• Group exercises in subject didactics related to the practice field
• Planning of movement environments to achieve diversity in the challenges posed to students
• Observation as a basis for quality assurance of teaching
• Lectures.

10 ECTS, 2nd year of study

Teaching and learning methods: lectures, self-study, group work, supervision and fieldwork.

Practical and/or theoretical course assignments will be related to the teaching themes.

15 ECTS, 3rd year of study

Teaching and learning methods will include lectures, independent study, group work, supervision and fieldwork.

The specialisation assignment will be completed in groups of 3-5 students.
By relating the subject matter to students' own experiences, students will be engaged and motivated to participate and discuss in their respective groups. Students in each group will prepare a written binding contract that applies to all group members. The contract should contain elements that relate to the work routines for the group. The group will keep a log from each meeting. Each group is assigned an academic supervisor and mandatory supervision meetings should be agreed upon between the group and the supervisor.

Assessment Methods

5 ECTS, 1st year
Students will plan and complete a teaching plan. These assignments may be related to the target areas in the subject learning activities.
This will be assessed as pass / fail. In addition, other assignments may also be given which will be assessed as pass / fail.
In order for students to pass the major course unit, students must receive a passing grade in each course unit.
Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for more details.

10 ECTS credits, 2nd year

Obligatory course requirements

• Completed and passed teaching plans
• Passed course assignments

Final examination

• 4-hour written individual examination.

The examination for the second year of study represents 40% of the final grade in subject didactics. The course will be completed in the third year of studies.
One final grade will be entered on the diploma, graded from A to F, where A is the best and E the lowest passing grade. In order to achieve a passing grade for the major course unit students must receive a passing grade in each course unit for more details.
Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations.
15 ECTS credits, 3rd year
Students must pass the obligatory course requirements before the group report may be submitted. Obligatory work includes a written examination in science theory and methodology, which is assessed as pass / fail. Students must also fulfil the terms of the group contract and participate in the mandatory supervision as agreed.
The report will be assessed as a written examination and graded from A to F, where A is the best and E the lowest passing grade. The grade counts for 60% of the final grade for the course subject didactics. Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for more details.

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