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Course plan for

Comparative Educational Studies

Admission requirements

Applications are welcomed from students who are training to become teachers and from students who are studying education in courses that do not in themselves lead to qualified teacher status. It is recommended that students have completed two years of a teacher preparation, a bachelor's degree in education or related field.

General description and profile

The programme is an introduction to comparative educational studies with an emphasis on three areas: (1) the process of learning through international comparisons using Norway as a point of departure, (2) the phenomena of inclusive education on a global scale, and (3) the development and application of comparative and international research. The intention of the programme is to foster knowledge of international and comparative education, thereby helping students to become internationally aware practitioners and scholars.

Programme Structure
1. sem PED221-2 International Issues in Inclusive Education 15 sp PED237-1 Characteristics of Norwegian and Comparative Education 15 sp

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • demonstrate broad knowledge of central themes, theories, and approaches within the fields of comparative and international education.
  • describe current issues and challenges with respect to access to equal and appropriate educational opportunities for children and youth in a global perspective.
  • describe the central principles and features of the Norwegian system of public education as they are described in national policy and international literature.
  • formulate a general understanding of the history, traditions and characteristics of public education in Norway in relation to the international field of inclusive education.
  • identify various international agreements, debates and developments in the field of inclusive education.

Skills

  • apply the principles of comparative education to the analysis of educational practices and policies from an international perspective.
  • apply findings from research within the fields of comparative and inclusive education to practical and theoretical challenges.
  • identify and critically analyse information pertaining to national and international evaluations of educational systems.
  • compare the function, purpose and history of diverse educational institutions and practices across national boundaries.

General Competance

  • demonstrate awareness of diverse cultural values and beliefs, and approach these differences in accordance with the ethical standards of educational professionals.
  • exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences with others in a manner that makes use of the approaches and principles of comparative and inclusive education.
  • work independently and together with others in order to better understand the process of exclusion of children and youth from educational opportunities.
  • use knowledge of international research and comparative approaches to gain insight that can lead to improved educational practices.
  • hold oneself up-to-date regarding new research, theories, and philosophies within the fields of inclusive and comparative education.

Teaching methods

Working methods will involve a combination of lectures, group work, self-study, individual tutorials and visits to schools and other institutions. A practical experience consisting of 15-20 hours of classroom observation at a school or preschool is required for students enrolled in PED237. For non-teacher education majors an alternative written project is required.

Assessment methods

Written group assignment, written individual report, oral examination.

Occupational profiles / further studies

The course may be included in either a bachelor's degree study programme or a general teacher education study programme, and may in conjunction with these programmes qualify graduates for admission to a master's degree study programme. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for use in several contexts in the fields of education, international work and social development.

Other information

Examination regulations and grading
For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.
For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course description.

Before participating in school practice or school visits all students must sign a declaration of confidentiality.

Norwegian students must present a valid certificate of good conduct issued by the police.

Mode of study

Full-time

Choose year:

Credits

30

Scope

Full time

Campus

Kristiansand 

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities and Education 

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