Examination arrangement

Course content

English 1 (1-7), module 1 provides a basic introduction to early education in English in primary school with an emphasis on writing as a basic skill.

The module includes three content areas:

• Early education: Developing basic skills in reading and writing
• Knowledge about language (grammar)
• Working with texts: Literature and culture

The content of the three content areas is founded in the learning outcome descriptors for KFK English 1 (1-7), module 1.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge about vocabulary acquisition and grammatical structures in English with a focus on similarities and differences between English and Norwegian, and cultural conventions for language use
• has knowledge about developing writing skills in early education, and challenges related to the transition from early education (grades 1-4) to the last stages of primary education (grades 5-7)
• has knowledge about the importance of basic skills to learning and development, and about processes which can promote these skills in the English subject
• has knowledge about children's language learning in a second language perspective, language acquisition theories as well as strategies, methods, assessment tools and assessment forms including national tests which promote language development
• is familiar with the current English subject curriculum
• is familiar with various teaching material and text books which can be used in teaching English in early education
• has knowledge about adapted language education for the target group
• has knowledge about ways of life and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries, with a focus on texts for young learners which promote intercultural competence, and insight into ways of using texts to stimulate language use in the classroom
• has knowledge about literary and visual texts for children
• is familiar with genres and their characteristics
• is familiar with norms for academic text production, responsible use of sources and ethical data collection
• has an understanding of the learning potential of various learning spaces, such as digital media, in primary school

Skills

The student can

• use English confidently and functionally, both verbally and in writing and adjusted to the target group in different situations, and be a good language model for the pupils
• plan, lead and assess pupils' learning in a way which takes into consideration the diversity of the group when it comes to various needs and different cultural and language backgrounds
• supervise students in their language development by making them aware of how language is constructed, in a way which enables the pupils to make use of differences and similarities between their mother tongue and English.
• foster a safe and inclusive learning environment which promotes the development of basic skills and a gradually increased vocabulary for all pupils
• carry out a comprehensive and learning-oriented assessment practice
• apply subject knowledge didactically and critically in line with the current National Curriculum and critically reflect on and assess own teaching
• critically assess textbooks and other learning material for use in the English teaching and learning
• cater to pupils' work with English-language texts and the exploration of ways of life and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries in relation to own culture, with an emphasis of written, oral and multi-modal texts for children
• use digital tools in the promotion of language learning and in conveying of course material
• cater to pupil participation in the development of the teaching and learning content

General competence

The student can

• convey relevant subject knowledge and communicate it in English in a manner which is adjusted to the target group
• reflect on own learning and practice in relation to ethical core values and the school's responsibility for children's personal development
• work independently and together with others to identify and solve problems related to pupils' learning and development in the English subject

Learning methods and activities

This is a sessions-based, part-time course. The students are expected to acquire knowledge of course content and learning material through self-study outside of the organized sessions, through group work, communication with the teachers and through the digital platform of the course. English is the language of teaching and communication. Students are expected to use the language actively during the sessions and in oral and written communication with fellow students and course instructors. Students are also expected to prepare for the sessions by reading course material in advance.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory work

Further on evaluation

The course contains the following obligatory coursework:

• 1 oral presentation
• 3 submissions of written assignments

All obligatory coursework must be approved before the students can take the exams. Candidates at risk of being denied the right to take the exam due to missing obligatory activities shall be duly informed, see Forskrift om studier ved Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet. Obligatory work is assessed as approved/not approved.

The final grade in the course is determined based on two assessment components:

• Part 1: Oral exam. The exam has a preparatory component. More information on the content and form of the oral exam is given during the semester.
• Part 2: Individual exam portfolio. Portfolio consists of up to three texts from the three elements of the course: literature, culture and language. Each text is considered being of equal weight in grading the portfolio.

Both parts must receive a passing grade for the student to receive a final grade in the course. New/postponed exams will be carried out in compliance with Forskrift om studier ved Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet. Both assessment components can be retaken or improved individually.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

A good command of English.

Required previous knowledge

Teacher education or equivalent. Employment in primary, lower secondary or secondary school. Please see current intake procedures provided by The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training or equivalent. The student capacity in the course will comply with the agreement with The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training or equivalent.

Course materials

The final reading list will be posted on the digital learning platform prior to the semester's beginning.