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:

• Development work, including scientific theory, methodology and ethics
• Research and research methods that are relevant for the school
  

Skills

The candidate can:

• Critically analyse relevant research about learning activities and school development
• Apply scientific theory in the design of a Bachelor’s thesis
• Acquire skills in academic writing
• Evaluate and use relevant research and development work and independently carry out systematic development work

General competence

The candidate can:

• Relate independently researched ethical issues
• Use knowledge of the school, research, science-theory and methodology in the planning and completion of a Bachelor’s thesis

Course Description

The Bachelor’s thesis is part of the professional study program. The purpose of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive and coherent presentation and understanding of key issues in professional practice. The thesis is an independent, research-based piece of work in which students formulate and answer a chosen question. The thesis question should relate to central practical, professional and / or educational challenges in the primary and lower secondary school.

In the third year of study, students will plan and complete a specialisation assignment / Bachelor’s thesis. The students will be given an introduction to scientific theory, methodology and ethics, which builds on the work that was carried out in the 1^st and 2^nd classes. This work will provide students with insight into the different phases of development work as well as training in completing a written work which addresses a professional question. The work should relate to the subjects Physical Education and Sports.

The work 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 Bachelor’s thesis / specialisation assignment must be approved by the subject teacher / tutor.
The work should be presented in a written report and submitted.

The work should be completed in accordance with the college’s guidelines for writing a Bachelor’s thesis.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning methods will include lectures, independent study, group work, supervision and fieldwork. The specialisation assignment will be completed in groups of 3-4 students.
By relating the subject matter to students' own experiences, students will be engaged and motivated to participate and discuss in their respective groups. Each group is assigned an academic supervisor, and mandatory supervision meetings should be agreed upon between the group and the supervisor. In group supervision, it is essential that the student uses his/her own professional insight to contribute to the group.

Assessment Methods

The course in methodology is mandatory.

The methodology course and project plan must be submitted and receive a passing mark before the Bachelor’s thesis may be submitted.
A final grade is awarded, graded from A to F, where A is the best and E the lowest passing grade. Please refer to Telemark University College’s examination regulations for further information.

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