Course
School Experience (EIS170)
Facts
Course code EIS170
Credits (ECTS) 10
Semester tution start Spring
Language of instruction English
Number of semesters 7
Exam semester Spring
Time table View course schedule
Literature Search for literature in Leganto
Introduction
Some students prefer to take a whole semester (30 ECTS) abroad. In such cases, the Comparative Educational Studies program will extend with practice related work (teaching practice and/or fieldwork, observations etc.) to a total of 10 ECTS.
Content
Learning outcome
This module facilitates for the student to acquire following knowledge, skills, and competence:
Knowledge
- Have knowledge about the learning environment and teaching approaches in kindergarten or primary schools in Norway
Skills
- Be able to describe and reflect on educational features in a comparative perspective
- Be able to discuss, reflect and compare educational practice in their home countries with the Norwegian one.
Competence
- Be able to collaborate in a European team of teachers
- Be able to reflect on how to apply/adapt different kind of practice in different contexts.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Group written assignment
Weight 1/1
Duration 4 Days
Marks Letter grades
The exam consists of a group-written assignment based on observations from practice, which should be critically discussed and linked to relevant theoretical perspectives. The paper should demonstrate the group’s ability to integrate practical experiences with academic theory, showing reflection, analytical thinking, and professional insight.
- Length: 4,500-5,000 words (excluding reference list and appendices).
- Format: The assignment must follow academic writing conventions, including proper structure, referencing, and language. All group members are expected to contribute actively to the development and writing of the paper.
Assessment:The assignment will be evaluated by one internal and one external examiner.The assessment will be based on the group’s ability to:
- Connect theory and practice in a reflective and critical manner
- Demonstrate understanding of relevant concepts and perspectives
- Present a coherent and well-structured argument
- Use academic language and referencing appropriately
- Grading scale:The paper will be assessed on a letter scale from A-F, where A-E denote pass and F denotes fail.The awarded grade applies to the group as a whole.
Method of work
This module starts after students have completed the 20 ECTS course. The placement in early childhood setting or schools lasts 15 days. The students will be placed in a kindergarten or primary school in accordance with the focus of their training requirements. The kind of practice during the placement would be different from teaching practice to only observation, and other kinds of field work.
When the student is not teaching his or her own lessons during the placement, (s) he is expected to work with the teachers, assisting small groups or individual children. During the placement the student is also expected to contribute to the life of the school in general.
The students will get supervision from their mentor at the placement. In addition there will be arranged seminars at the University in which they can reflect and analyze their learning experiences in the classroom/kindergarten. These seminars, leaded by a tutor, also prepare students for the final assignment.