MGUEN201 English 1, module 2 - English language, literature and culture with didactics 2

Contents and structure

This is subject 2 in the course English 1 for grades 5-10 in primary school teacher education. English 1 consists of two subjects, each worth 15 credits.

The subject descriptions for English are based on the National Guidelines for Primary School Teacher Education (2018) and are part of a five-year teacher education program with a master's degree. The subject is open to incoming students.

English 1 for grades 5-10 includes English teaching for the intermediate and secondary levels, understanding the characteristics of students in this age group and their language development in English. The subject provides an introduction to English didactics, linguistic topics, and a varied selection of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, and other cultural expressions from the English-speaking world. The subject has a comparative focus that emphasizes linguistic differences between English and other languages.

The development of one's language proficiency and literature and text competence is central. Additionally, the subject involves various activities and methods for English teaching in primary school.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of how children and young people learn language
• has knowledge of multilingualism as a resource in the classroom
• has knowledge of topics within curricula, national tests, and teaching materials
• has knowledge of vocabulary acquisition and the structures in English from sound to text level
• is familiar with literature and other cultural expressions that can be selected and adapted for teaching children and young people
• is aware of research and development work relevant to personal development and English teaching in grades 5-10

Skills

The student

• can use English orally and in writing confidently and independently
• can plan and lead varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital ones, that promote deep learning
• can identify reading and writing difficulties and provide for adapted teaching
• can use ongoing and final assessment to guide students in learning English
• can discuss, analyze, and interpret (verbally and in writing) literary texts, as well as select and adapt fiction and non-fiction literature for children and youth
• can identify and explain key elements in the grammatical structure and sound system of the language
• can analyze information about societal issues and cultural themes for use in teaching

General Competence

The student

• can analyze and convey relevant subject matter and communicate in English in a way suitable for students in grades 5-10
• can analyze and reflect on personal learning and teaching practices in light of ethical values
• can work independently and collaboratively with others to facilitate personal development for student learning
• can maintain and develop personal language and didactic competence
• can write academic texts
• can use digital tools to promote language learning and convey subject matter

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

MGUEN101 English 1, module 1 or equivalent

Teaching methods

The course encompasses various strategies for language learning and working with a foreign language, including the use of digital tools.

Methods will include overview lectures combined with discussions of the material, group work (both in pairs and larger groups), individual work, project work, and presentations. Students will gain experience with methods applicable in primary school settings. It is expected that students actively participate in discussions during colloquium meetings and on learning platforms as an extension of the learning situation, in addition to what takes place in the classroom.

All teaching in the subject is conducted in English, and the language practice aspect is central to students' work. Learning in the English study program presupposes collaboration with other students and instructors on key challenges in the subject, the development of oral and written skills, and students' didactic competence. This aspect of a teacher's competence cannot be acquired solely through reading but must be developed in real dialogue and through presence in teaching. Therefore, it is expected that students attend all classes, actively participate, and contribute to taking responsibility for learning activities, thereby helping to develop a strong academic environment. What is conveyed in the teaching may supplement the syllabus and will be considered part of the exam material. Not all parts of the syllabus will be covered, so the study requires a considerable amount of independent work.

The study includes a trip to the Norwegian Study Centre in York. The trip is offered as part of the instruction in this subject but is not mandatory. Therefore, an alternative program will be offered for those who choose not to go. Travel expenses, accommodation, and course fees are covered by each individual student. See https://www.york.ac.uk/nsc/short-courses/

Practice is an integral part of the study.

Compulsory learning activities

• An obligatory learning activity in literature/culture and/or literature/culture didactics.
• An obligatory learning activity in a language subject and/or language didactics.
• Planned teaching using digital tools. Implementation during the internship period and sharing of experiences in seminars.
• Attendance of at least 70% of the classes is required.

The semester plan and task descriptions provide more detailed guidelines for the obligatory learning activities. Students are obliged to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the submission deadlines.

Obligatory learning activities must be passed before registration for the exam. Students who do not pass the obligatory learning activities may have one reattempt during the academic year, but a maximum of two attempts per assignment per semester.

Attendance of at least 70% of the classes is required. When the absence exceeds 30%, the student will not have the subject approved, regardless of the reason.

Assessment

School exam, 6 hours.

Grading scale A-F, where F corresponds to a fail.

Examination support material

None

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