PED245 Characteristics of Norwegian and Comparative Education (Spring 2027)

ECTS Credits:: 10
Responsible department:: Faculty of Humanities and Education
Course Leader:: Andrea Stefanie Hillen
Lecture Semester:: Spring
Teaching language:: English.
Duration:: ½ year

Schedule (TP) Reading list (Leganto)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Bachelor's Programme in Education

Teaching language

English.

Recommended previous knowledge

One year of a bachelor’s degree in education or related fields within humanities and social sciences or two years of general teacher education. Good language skills.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge

• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles of international and comparative education

• describe the central concepts of international and comparative research

• formulate a general understanding of the Norwegian educational system, its characteristics and objectives

• describe current issues and trends in international and comparative education

Skills

• apply these principles and concepts to comparative analysis of educational practices and policies

General competence

• reflect on practical experiences, such as observation in Norwegian schools and/or preschools, and compare the functioning of these institutions to similar entities in other countries

The course provides an introduction to central concepts and methods of comparative education. Norway is used as a common point of reference, that is, an overview of the Norwegian curriculum, characteristics of Norwegian schools, historical factors, and other information about Norwegian society in relation to the Norwegian system of education will be presented. Students will choose an area of interest, develop a research question, design and conduct an observation comparative study in that area. For example, the student may choose to investigate the use of certain strategies, subject areas, or look at approaches with respect to a particular age group. Important questions that will guide the learning activities are: How are international comparisons made? Why is it important to make these comparisons? What are the dangers or precautions that we need to be aware of in making such comparisons?

Teaching and learning methods

Working methods will involve a combination of lectures, group work, self-study, individual tutorials and visits to schools or other institutions. Students will choose between (a) participating in a practical experience or (b) conducting a theoretical analysis of comparative research. Students who select the practical experience will be placed in a school or preschool as observers under the supervision of a mentor. They must complete at least 10-15 hours of observation individually or in pairs. Visits must take place over a minimum of 2 weeks but can span over a longer period. Students who choose the theoretical analysis will conduct an investigation of research literature and/or policy under the supervision of the course instructor(s).

Estimated hours of work 270.

Examination requirements

Attendance in 70% of all course activities.

a) Students participating in the practical placement are required to submit a written report of their activities to be approved by the course instructor(s).

b) Students who conduct the theoretical analysis are required to submit a written report examining 2-3 research articles in the field of comparative education to be approved by the course instructor(s).

For further information, please consult the students` learning platform Canvas as the semester starts.

Examinations

5-hour written examination. Graded assessment, A-F.

Student evaluation

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.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, subject to capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course