MBA505 Managing quality development in kindergarten

Contents and structure

The course is mandatory and held in the third semester of the programme.

The course comprises analysis and critical assessment of the concept of "quality" based on different academic and methodological perspectives. Managing quality work in kindergartens is explored in the light of the principle of the "child's best interests", laws, conventions and theories. The course further comprises critical reflection on "quality discourse" and different quality and assessment tools that are used nationally and internationally within the kindergarten field. The course shall also develop the student's skills in managing staff learning processes in the kindergarten as a learning organisation.

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 in-depth knowledge of management and workplace learning relating to quality work in kindergartens.

The student

• can critically assess and communicate about different concepts of quality approaches to development of quality in kindergartens
• 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 contribute to new ideas and development of pedagogic management, collaboration and supervision based on theoretical and practical approaches.

Entry requirements

Students must have completed at least two of the three mandatory courses in the first semester and at least one elective course.

In case of special circumstances, an exemption for this requirement may be granted.

Teaching methods

Teaching takes place in the form of workshops/seminars supported with PowerPoint presentations.

Supervision is available for coursework requirements.

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

Compulsory learning activities

Oral presentation.

Students analyse and assess in groups two different quality and evaluation tools and present results orally.

Guidelines for the coursework requirement are 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

Individual oral exam, 30 minutes.

Students will be given insight into possible problems/questions 2 weeks before exam.

Guidelines for the exam will be provided at the start of the course.

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

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material