MBA505 Managing quality development in kindergarten

Contents and structure

The course is held in the third semester of the programme. Students shall analyse and critically assess the concept of "quality" based on different academic perspectives. Managing quality work in kindergartens is researched in light of the principle of the "child's best interests", laws and conventions. The course shall improve students' knowledge and their ability to manage staff learning processes in the kindergarten as a learning organisation

The course provides in-depth knowledge of pedagogic management of quality development in kindergartens and this is examined in light of laws, conventions and the principle of the "child's best interests".
The course analyses "quality" as a concept and emphasises critical evaluation of different quality and assessment tools that are used nationally and internationally within the kindergarten field.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course the student shall have the following overall learning outcomes:

The student

• Has in-depth knowledge of different interpretations of the concept of quality, quality and assessment tools, and different applications in the national and international kindergarten field.
• Has advanced knowledge about management of quality work in relation to the principle of the "child's best interests" and laws pertaining to children's rights.
• Has in-depth knowledge of management and workplace learning relating to quality work in kindergartens.

The student

• Can assess and disseminate different interpretations of the concept of quality in light of academic and profession-related discourse.
• Can analyse and critically assess different forms of pedagogic management of quality work in kindergartens as learning organisations
• Can plan and assess the use of different quality and evaluation tools in light of critical assessments of what can safeguard children's rights and the principle of the "child's best interests".

The student

• Can critically assess and communicate the different quality concepts and different approaches to quality development in kindergartens.
• can analyse and assess different quality and assessment tools and critically discuss different interpretations of children's rights and the principle of the "child's best interests", based on an independent assessment and profession-based knowledge.
• Can contribute to new ideas and the development of pedagogic management, collaboration and supervision based on theoretical and practical approaches.

Entry requirements

The students must have completed all courses in the first year before they commence the second year of the master programme. If there are special circumstances, this requirement may be waived.

Teaching methods

Teaching, individual and group-based work.

Compulsory learning activities

Group work and oral presentation based on analysis and assessment of two different quality and evaluation tools.
Approved coursework requirements are valid for 2 years following approval.

Assessment

30 minute individual oral exam.

The time and place will be reported on the course website at itslearning.

Grade scale: Pass/Fail.