Examination arrangement

Course content

This course teaches advanced theory and methods related to the use of authentic children’s literature in the 1-7 EFL/EAL classroom, emphasizing selection and application of texts that reflect the interests and abilities of children who frequently encounter English-language media in their daily lives.

This course is particularly relevant for teachers in primary school who have responsibilities for teaching English as an additional/foreign language.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has

• knowledge of relevant children’s literature history and of childhood as an ever-changing social construction
• advanced familiarity with authentic texts in a variety of forms and knowledge of their benefits in EFL/EAL acquisition and pedagogies
• knowledge of relevant educational theory that supports children’s literature usage in the EFL/EAL classroom

Skills

The candidate can

• identify and gain access to quality children’s texts for the purposes of EFL/EAL education
• plan effective EFL/EAL lessons utilizing a variety of text types (including but not limited to physical, digital, and multimodal texts)
• critically evaluate literature and media for children with respect to both pedagogical value and content

General competence

The student can

• convey relevant subject knowledge and communicate it in English in a manner that is adjusted to the target group
• reflect on own learning and practice in relation to the use of children’s literature in the EFL/EAL classroom

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of one synchronous and four asynchronous online sessions. Deadlines for completion of assignments/tasks/deliveries are stated at the beginning of the semester. Work requirements and other assignments that are carried out as part of the seminars will support and promote the candidate's work to achieve the course's learning outcomes.

Working methods in the seminars include lectures, individual work with assignments, discussions, and presentations delivered both orally and in writing.

Compulsory assignments

• Peer-to-peer reflection logs 
• Oral presentation 

Further on evaluation

Obligatory course work

• 4 peer-to-peer reflection logs
• 1 oral presentation

All obligatory course work will be evaluated as Approved/Not approved. All obligatory course work must be approved in order to sit for the exams.

Assessment

Individual portfolio including:

• Unit plan (with materials) consisting of one speaking, one writing, one listening, and one reading activity based on a single book
• A target vocabulary list
• Written justification for chosen activities and learning outcomes supported by peer-reviewed research

The candidate can retake the final assessment.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Teaching experience in English from primary school.

Required previous knowledge

The applicant must currently be employed as a teacher in the Norwegian school system.

Course materials

The final reading list and course content will be posted on the digital learning platform.