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:

• Scientific theory and history, and fundamental research problems
• Various scientific disciplines that are included in the study program, with a special emphasis on pedagogy
• Qualitative and quantitative methodology
• Methodology that is particularly relevant to the profession, including practical training stories, observations, and interviews
• The fundamental principles and aspects of research ethics, with a particular focus on those pertaining to children.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Write structured texts that analyse and discuss professional issues
• Use research methods, relevant to the kindergarten teaching profession, to design a research project
• Formulate, refine and analyse current issues within the field in a written text
• Quality assure their own research and that of others in accordance with ethical research standards and key scientific principles
• Master the use of sources and references.

General competence

The candidate has:

• The skills to assess and exploit the results of current and relevant research
• The qualifications to carry out their own investigations for use in change and development in the kindergarten
• The ability to think critically about various sources
• An understanding of the importance of writing skills in the kindergarten teaching profession
• The skills to continue academic work to the level of a Master’s degree.

Course Description

The course will provide foundational knowledge of issues related to science and research methods, both in general and those relevant to the kindergarten teaching profession. Students will apply knowledge and skills acquired through the first two years of the Pre-School Teacher Education study programme in an independent academic work that meets standard requirements for scientific presentation, argumentation, and research ethics. The work on the Bachelor’s thesis will build on the knowledge base of the specialization courses and have a professional focus.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Initially, a course will be given in methodology and scientific theory. The instruction will primarily be given as lectures by the course teacher(s). The course aims to provide a theoretical platform for the work on the Bachelor’s thesis, as well as training in critical discussion and reflection in research. At the end of this course, students will start work on their project descriptions.

Moreover, seminar sessions will be held focusing on writing skills and the preparation of larger academic texts. The seminars will be organized as a combination of group work where students work on questions, provide feedback to each other, and are given guidance by the course teacher(s). In addition, lectures will be given at the start of the writing period on academic writing and the use of sources and references.

The course also includes supervision given by the teacher with respect to independent writing processes. There will normally be two supervisors. The main supervisor from the relevant specialization course will cover roughly 70% of the supervision, which the course teacher functions as assistant supervisor and covers about 30% of the supervision. Written agreements will be completed before supervision is given.

The thesis may have an empirical or practical form, but should be relevant and related to the kindergarten teaching profession.

Assessment Methods

Coursework requirements.

Two submissions are to be made during the course of the semester, consisting of a project outline and a first draft of the Bachelor’s thesis. Submissions must be approved before the Bachelor’s thesis is finally assessed.
The Bachelor’s thesis should comprise 8000 words (+/- 10%), and will be awarded grade on the scale A-F.

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