EN-447 English Language and Learning (Autumn 2026)

60 credits in English.

EN-157 English Literature, Culture and Didactics 1,
EN-158 English Language and Didactics 1 and EN-159 English Language, Literature, Culture and Didactics in Context or equivalent courses from other institutions

Knowledge: After course completion, the student should have

• thorough knowledge about language learning theories, also those which have influenced language didactics in Norwegian schools
• thorough knowledge about learning and teaching strategies conforming to the current curriculum
• thorough knowledge about research in language didactics and research methods in the subject English in grades 5-10 in Norwegian schools

Skills: After course completion, the student should be able to

• account for central factors and theories in additional language learning
• analyze and critically evaluate different language learning theories
• critically apply the knowledge in a pedagogical and reflected manner, according to the current curriculum
• apply relevant methods in research related to language didactics

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
• apply their knowledge and skills in teaching and planning of teaching in grades 5-10, research communication and information work
• reflect upon English as a school subject in an independent and critical manner

The course focuses on teaching English as a foreign language in Norwegian schools, with special attention to grades 5-10. Learning and teaching strategies conforming to the current curriculum, with special focus on grades 5-10, will be given special attention. Specific challenges connected to teaching English in a multicultural and multilingual classroom will also be discussed in the course.

The subject in the practice period

During the 7th semester there will be a five-day practice period as a preparation for the 25 days practice (taking charge of the school) during the 8th semester. Students will work with the course on campus before and after the practice period. The course will equip the students with skills that will enable them to plan, conduct, and assess teaching of English language for pupils in grades 5-10.

Group work, lectures, and alternative teaching methods, physical and/or digital, will be used. Students should participate actively on a regular basis. English is used in all classes. iPads and smartphones will be used in the course. There is a 70% obligatory activity requirement. The activity requirement can be fulfilled by physical attendance or approved self-study. More information about the activity requirement will be given at the start of the semester. Students must attend 5 days of teaching practice.

The workload of the course is estimated to 400 hours.

Teacher education students must:

• pass practice
• pass obligatory assignments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)
• meet the attendance requirement

Other students must:

• pass a didactic assignment corresponding to the workload of practice teaching
• pass obligatory assignments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)
• meet the attendance requirement

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.