MBA501 Kindergarten as a field of knowledge

Contents and structure

The course is compulsory and is held in the first semester of the programme.

Kindergarten research is addressed as a field of knowledge and historical and current pedagogical ideas and fundamental problems are taught. In the course, the student will conduct exercises in critical reflection and varied forms of dissemination.

The course examines the concept of "kindergarten knowledge" in a critical manner. The course includes what knowledge can be and how knowledge is regarded, when viewed from different knowledge paradigms.  There will be investigative and analytical work with children in a kindergarten context, both as practice and as concepts, and the student will become familiar with national and international kindergarten research.

During the course, the student will complete 2-3 days of observation in the field with a particular focus on issues that are dealt with in the course or that are relevant to this.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes:

The student

• has in-depth knowledge about previous and current understandings of children and childhood.
• has advanced knowledge about the kindergarten as a field of knowledge and a national and international research arena.
• has in-depth knowledge about different knowledge paradigms. 

The student

• can critically analyse and reflect on how recent research about children in a kindergarten context can be read and understood and be relevant for pedagogical activities in kindergartens
• can critically reflect on his/her own professional starting point
• can apply a variety of work methods (theoretical and artistic) in the research and dissemination

The student

• has a critical and independent approach to academic content regarding kindergarten knowledge
• can disseminate academic and ethical issues in writing and performatively
• can disseminate academic issues in academic and popular form

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The work forms will vary between lectures, literature studies, reflective writing, group work, supervision and practical work with different forms of performative communication.

Supervision is available for coursework requirements.

The teaching presupposes that the students have worked compressively with the course literature in advance.

Compulsory learning activities

Coursework requirement 1. Group work: Issues from the course shall be examined in groups. In each group, the students will prepare an issue that has to be approved. Teaching and supervision will be provided during the work process. The work will be presented in a seminar.

Coursework requirement 2. Group work: Theoretical and empirical study of the concept of quality in a kindergarten. The group shall plan a one day personnel seminar in which the topic shall be performatively presented in a manner that is inclusive and interesting.

Guidelines for coursework requirements will be provided at the start of the semester.

Those who do not have a coursework requirement approved will be given one new opportunity to compensate.

Approved coursework requirements are valid for 2 years following approval.

Assessment

Semester assignment.

An article that contributes to the public debate and that is based on the coursework requirements.

2000-2400 words.

Guidelines for the article will be given at the start of the semester.

The submission deadline will be provided in Studentweb and in the digital examination system.

Grade scale of A-F, where F is a fail grade.

In the event of a new/re-scheduled exam, the same article may be submitted once in revised form within 1 year.

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