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:

• The importance of the kindergarten’s mandate, purpose and values in a multicultural society
• The Christian faith and humanist heritage; other religions, beliefs and philosophical thought; and ethical theory and guidance
• Children’s rights in national and international contexts, and the laws and regulations governing day care operations and other work related to children
• Inequality in society, focusing on different minority groups, gender, social groups and Norway’s indigenous population
• The basic aspects of children’s living conditions and upbringing, and the kindergarten’s role as a social institution in historical and contemporary perspectives.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Justify, disseminate and practice the kindergarten’s social mandate and values, and work in a systematic manner with key elements of the knowledge area
• Discuss ethical, religious, philosophical and life stance questions with children, parents and colleagues
• Disseminate the culture’s stories, and in cooperation with the home facilitate the celebration of festivals and anniversaries
• Facilitate democratic processes and the participation of children in the kindergarten.
  

General competence

The candidate:

• Is able to critically reflect upon and meet ethical challenges in the kindergarten’s day-to-day operation, and justify their choice of action
• Has the ability to communicate and collaborate with children’s families, their own colleagues, local authorities, other public departments and agencies, local communities and the media
• Can demonstrate respect and tolerance of different traditions, cultures and religions, and can understand the challenges and opportunities which may arise in kindergartens within a multicultural society
• Can understand policy documents, as well as keep abreast of political processes and media debates, with particular relevance to kindergartens
• Is able to lead and guide children and staff in the kindergarten’s pedagogical work.

Course Description

The knowledge area will provide a basis for the student to reflect on their own role in children’s socialization, not only in collaboration with colleagues and parents, but also with other professions and institutions involved in creating a happy childhood. The knowledge area will contribute to the understanding of children’s living conditions and upbringing in a society characterized by diversity, focusing on media and commercialization, social disparities, and children in difficult life situations. The course also looks at different family compositions and functions, as well as cultural and religious variations and differences in life stance among children and parents, with a focus on festivals and practices. The knowledge area will give students an understanding of the relationship between the individual and society, and insight into children’s rights and participation in a democratic society.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods in the knowledge area will provide students with training in planning, evaluation, documentation and collaboration with other social institutions, and will have a clear instructional foundation in the day-to-day operation of a kindergarten. The teaching methods will vary and be adapted to the various topics within the knowledge area. Cooperation, understanding of how theories can be applied in the field of practice, understanding of others’ values and the ability to be critical of their own positions are skills all reflected in the methods used.

The course consists of lectures and seminars. Teaching and learning methods include discussions, group work, assignments, self-study, dialogue and reflection. The course includes three study trips related to key topics in the knowledge area. The aims of the study trips are to strengthen students’ understanding of the kindergarten teacher’s role in society, and develop their ability to understand the relationship between theory and practice. The course also includes a didactic assignment related to the period of practical training; please refer to the practical training notes for further information.

The parts of the course instruction that are mandatory are described in the semester plan.

Assessment Methods

The course includes both written and oral assessment, and the final course grade for SRLE1 is based on:

• Individual mid-term written 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 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