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 available educational possibilities when using varied materials and techniques
• Child development in the context of their experiences
• Documentation of creative work as a basis for developing didactic reflection
• The relationship and discourses between theory and practice
• The challenges and opportunities of using ICT in creative processes in kindergarten.
  

Skills

The candidate:

• Can use and explore materials, techniques and digital tools in their own creative work
• Can facilitate children’s use of materials
• Can reflect on the preschool teacher’s role in relation to the framework of the kindergarten
• Has knowledge of scientific theory and can apply relevant research methods in professional development work in art in the kindergarten (linked to the Bachelor’s thesis)
• Is able to apply theoretical knowledge to justify their own practices.
  

General competence

The candidate:

• Views the kindergarten as an important arena for providing children with varied and interesting experiences, and opportunities for creative play and activities
• Understands the importance of the choices the pre-school teacher makes when the kindergarten is fitted and equipped, and what consequences this may have for the children
• Is aware that the pre-school serves to set an example for staff, children and parents with respect to creative processes.

Course Description

The course offers an opportunity for in-depth study in creative work using different materials, techniques and digital tools. Students will develop a deeper understanding of children’s play and creative activities in the kindergarten, and develop their ability to facilitate these activities. The student’s own creative work contributes to the understanding of aesthetic learning in kindergarten. The student’s documentation skills and reflection levels, related to children’s backgrounds, learning and art expressions, will be strengthened through scheduled meetings in kindergarten. The course places a special focus on the importance of the physical surroundings for play and creative activities in the kindergarten.

The course provides the student with experience in completing a larger didactic project (the Bachelor’s thesis). The course content is characterized by the student’s art development work and pedagogical activities in the kindergarten.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Practical creative work: the student’s practical creative work using visual expressions (including digital expressions).

Didactic/theoretical reflection: students gain experience in documenting children’s encounters with various materials/techniques and make didactic reflections.

Documentation, experiences and skills will be used in the design of a Bachelor’s thesis.
Theoretical subject matter is acquired through the student’s study of subject literature, lectures and discussions. The work takes place both in groups and individually.

Workshop days and study-days are mandatory.

Assessment Methods

• Individual portfolio examination
  The portfolio will include:
  - The student’s submitted creative work
  - The student’s documentation from the kindergarten.

A single letter grade (A to F) will be entered on the diploma, where A represents the highest and E the lowest passing grade. 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