UND801 The Art of Teaching
Course description for academic year 2025/2026
Contents and structure
This course provides training and guidance in the art of teaching. The course asserts that all teaching is indirect, and it should be intentionally indirect to create space for and encourage students' freedom. This freedom should not be confused with the neoliberal freedom to do whatever one wants. It is about the freedom to relate to the world and what the world demands of us. Therefore, teaching does not guide students in an instrumental or technical manner, but rather emerges as an art form. The art in teaching becomes evident when teachers recognise and clarify how they can indirectly, albeit consistently, open new opportunities for students by redirecting their attention.
Friday 12 September, 5 - 7 p.m., physical meeting.
Thursday 2 October, 5 - 7 p.m., online meeting.
Friday 3 October, 5 - 7 p.m., online meeting.
Thursday 30 October, 5 - 7 p.m., physical meeting.
Friday 31 October, 5 - 7 p.m., physical meeting.
Thursday 20 November, 5 - 7 p.m., online meeting.
Friday 21 November, at 17 - 19, online meeting.
Monday 1 December: home exam handed out.
Wednesday 3 December: home exam handed in.
Learning Outcome
Knowledge
The candidate
- has basic knowledge of what indirect approaches entail for the three main 'tools' in teaching: pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment.
- will be able to explain why and how the use of indirect approaches is crucial in teaching.
Skills
The candidate
- can identify and discuss the problems with direct instruction and similar teaching paradigms.
General competence
The candidate
- will have a solid foundation to aid in making wise decisions about the planning and implementation of teaching.
Teaching methods
Training, guidance, practical examples, discussion, hands-on activities. Teaching in English may occur in smaller parts of the course.
Compulsory learning activities
2 mandatory learning activities:
- a written assignment
- an oral presentation
The mandatory learning activities must be approved by the course coordinator at least 2 weeks before the student can be eligible for the examination. If a mandatory learning activity is deemed not approved, a justification must be provided. Students who do not get a mandatory learning activity approved will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, get a new attempt in the current semester.
Assessment
Home exam, two days. Number of words: 2000 +- 10%.
Examination support material
All aids are permitted.
More about examination support material