EN-504 Theory and Methods for the Researching Teacher, English (Autumn 2020)

Knowledge

The newly educated teacher has

• In-depth knowledge about the philosophy of science and methodology relevant to the teacher researcher
• In-depth knowledge about research ethics, information retrieval and application, and academic reading and writing
• In-depth knowledge about research traditions and information retrieval in English as a school subject
• In-depth knowledge about academic reading and writing in English
• In-depth knowledge about research theory and methodology as applied in the didactics of English language, culture and literature

Skills

The newly educated teacher

• Is able to apply and critically assess various research methods that are relevant for classroom research / school research
• Is able to use digital search tools to find relevant research literature and assess this critically
• Is able to apply assess the use of methodology in research related to English as a school subject and English didactics
• Is able to apply and assess sources relevant to academic writing in English as a school subject
• Is able to apply and assess theories and methods adapted to questions related to the didactics of English language, literature and culture

General competences

The newly educated teacher

• Is able to contribute on an advanced level to research-based development work that enhances academic and pedagogical innovation in schools
• Is able to contribute on an advanced level to the academic discourse within English didactics
• Is able to plan, implement and assess on an advanced level teaching plans in English as a school subject based on acquired competences within methodology and theory of science

5 ECTS credits in this course are identical for all students in teacher training programmes aimed at primary and lower secondary school (learning outcomes in italics). This common part deals with themes that are relevant to research: philosophy of science, research ethics, information retrieval and application, and academic reading and writing.

The part that deals with the didactics English as a school subject (10 credits), deals with topics within methodology and theory of science relevant to English as a school subject. The course will emphasise English as a disciplinary subject and English as a school subject and discuss how the research history has developed. The course will present a selection of theories and methods particular for language, culture and literature related to English as a school subject.

Through working with the course the students will acquire a solid academic foundation enabling them to carry out a supervised research project (the master’s thesis) related to the profession and the professional, supervised training.

The students will meet a variety of work methods like lectures, seminars, assignments, oral presentations and supervision. Through exemplified teaching methods, the students will experience how one as a teacher can work as a researcher in a professional community.

In addition to the teaching, the students are expected to work with assignments and literary studies, both individually and in groups. A considerable part of the students’ learning and development will depend on individual effort.

The workload is estimated at 400 hours, divided with 130 hours on the common part and 270 on subject-specific themes.

Mandatory attendance requirements will be published in the semester plan.

• The mandatory attendance requirements must be met
• Mandatory assignments must be approved

There will be one final grade with two components:

• 3-hour school examination (multiple choice) in the common part (1/3)
• Written home examination in the subject-specific part (2/3)

Both parts must be passed. Graded assessment.