Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Has extensive knowledge of children's language and communication development
• Can explain general and specific difficulties, as well as those related to second languages
• Understands the causes of language and communication difficulties
• Has knowledge of how language and communication difficulties can be prevented, alleviated and reduced

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply knowledge of children’s language and communication development and knowledge of language difficulties in kindergartens and schools, and in partnership with parents
• Conduct simple diagnostic tests and participate in dynamic monitoring
• Reflect on the findings of monitoring and plan measures

General competence

The candidate can:

• Integrate knowledge about learning and children's language and communication development based on various learning and development theories
• Discuss the facilitation of an inclusive learning environment
• Discuss risk and protective factors in relation to individual and interactionist perspectives
• Formulate learning objectives for special education planning and formulate criteria for assessment work

Course Description

The course is based on theories of children's language and communication development. It emphasizes the importance of interaction for learning and development, and focuses on: knowledge of language and communication difficulties, monitoring methods, discussion of monitoring findings and appropriate measures to prevent, alleviate or reduce difficulties.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching is workshop and online based, and also includes lectures, seminars and supervision. Supervision of students will be conducted individually and in groups. It is assumed that the student will work independently with regard to self-study, group work, project work and assignments. Learning in the study programme emerges from social interaction, as well as from the individual student’s own activities.

Fronter and Nefsis are used as communication tools in the learning process, where much of the communication between students and teachers takes place.

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed on the basis of a 4-hour written examination with a grade (A - F).
Participation in discussions must be assessed as approved and the case assignment must receive a passing mark before the student can be awarded a passing mark for the course.

All seminars and supervision sessions are mandatory. The teaching at the university college that requires compulsory attendance is indicated on the semester plan. Telemark University College’s regulations concerning a minimum of 80% attendance apply here.

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