EN-148 Didactics of English, part 1 (level 8-13) (Autumn 2026)

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired

• knowledge about language learning theories, especially those which have influenced English language didactics in Norwegian schools

• knowledge about learning and teaching strategies conforming to the current curriculum and appropriate for use in the 8-10 classroom

• knowledge about research in language didactics and research methods in the English subject

• knowledge of norms for academic text production

• knowledge of the teaching and learning of English vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation appropriate for the teaching of English in grades 8-10, including differences and similarities between English and other languages

• knowledge of the teaching and learning of modes of cultural expression in English-speaking countries, including history, politics, literature and the arts, appropriate for the teaching of English in grades 8-10.

Skills: The student should be able to

• account for central factors and theories in language learning as they apply to English in Norwegian schools.

• be able to plan, implement, adapt, vary, document and assess the teaching of English in the grades 8-10
• apply relevant research methods related to language, culture, and literature didactics

• critically apply their knowledge of English language didactics in a pedagogical and reflected manner, according to the current curriculum.

• be able to apply knowledge about the National Curriculum for Foreign Languages and the characteristics of English in order to promote good learning processes at level 8-10

General competence: After course completion, the student will be able to

• use their knowledge as a basis for further studies of language didactics and for research and development work in the schools

• apply their knowledge and skills in teaching and the planning and evaluating of teaching in grades 8-10

• reflect upon English as a school subject in an independent and critical manner

This course is part of the advanced education programme (grades 8–13) in the vocational subject track and consists of English didactics with an emphasis on pedagogy and praxis for lower secondary school (grades 8–10).

The course is organised around three main and interconnected areas:

1. The school’s position in society and the place of English as a subject

This area addresses the characteristics of English as a school subject in Norwegian schools, including its historical development, and societal role. The course engages with the current national curriculum and other governing documents and addresses the specific characteristics of English as a subject. Central to this area is analysis and critical reflection on didactic issues and challenges, including interdisciplinary work, curriculum-based expectations, and the role of English in developing pupils’ linguistic, literary and cultural competence in grades 8–10.

2. Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher

This area focuses on theories of language learning and their influence on English didactics in Norwegian schools. Students will work with central factors affecting language learning; learner diversity, multilingualism, variation in pupils’ linguistic, cultural, and academic backgrounds, and variations in learning style and tempo. Emphasis is placed on the professional role of the English teacher, including classroom management, lesson planning, and the creation of inclusive and supportive learning environments. The area also includes engagement with research in language didactics and research methods in English didactics for grades 8–10 in Norwegian schools and provides a foundation for further studies in language didactics and for research and development work in schools.

3. Teaching and learning

This area addresses language learning theories, learning and teaching strategies, working methods, and the use and evaluation of teaching materials in English education. Students will apply relevant research methods to topics in language, culture, and literature didactics. The course emphasizes didactic reflection and practical rehearsal through the planning, implementation, adaptation, variation, documentation, and assessment of English teaching in grades 8–10, in accordance with the current curriculum.

Teaching will consist of a variety of work forms and will take the form of lectures, seminars, practice teaching and supervision, conversation, reflection, role-play, interviews, presentations, preparation of teaching and other practical exercises. Practical testing of various forms of activities relating to English and the role of the teacher will be central.

Besides teaching, students are expected to do work, both individually and in groups. A significant part of the students' learning and maturation will occur through such practice.
As the course is part of the advanced education level 8-13, it requires students' actual participation in practical assignments that are part of the teaching. Mandatory attendance will then be required. Students who have English as subject 2 (year course), will write an interdisciplinary assignment in pedagogy and English didactics.

Students who have English as subject 1 (master subject), will submit a didactic/praxis related assignment. This is done in advance of and in preparation for practice. The students will have six weeks of practice.

The estimated workload of the course is about 200 hours.

• Mandatory attendance (80%)
• For students who do English as subject 1 (master subject) the requirement is: passed didactic/practice related assignment
• For students who do English as subject 2 (year course) the requirement is: passed interdisciplinary assignment in pedagogy and English didactics
• Completed and passed practice