Education MA, Children's Learning in Informal and Formal Contexts I, 7.5 credits
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Syllabus:
Pedagogik AV, Barns lärande i informella och formella sammanhang I, 7.5 hp
Education MA, Children's Learning in Informal and Formal Contexts I, 7.5 credits
General data
- Code:PE047A
- Subject/Main field:Education
- Cycle:Second cycle
- Credits:7.5
- Progressive specialization:A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
- Education area:Social sciences 100%
- Answerable department:PPS, Education, Psychology and Social Work
- Approved:2026-03-04
- Version valid from:2026-08-31
Aim
The aim of the course is to develop the student’s understanding of children’s learning in informal and formal contexts. The course also aims to enhance the student’s capacity to handle the complexity inherent in children’s informal and formal learning, with respect to educational practice, developmental work, and research.
Course objectives
After completion of the course the student shall be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Describe knowledge and understanding within the field of education, including providing an overview of the area and explaining the conditions for young children's learning
Skills and Abilities
- Explain, both orally and in writing, one’s own conclusions, account for the underlying knowledge and reasoning, and discuss these in dialogue with different groups.
- Integrate knowledge and analyse questions and phenomena related to the conditions for children's learning.
- Demonstrate the ability to participate in research and development work, or to work in other qualified professional contexts.
** Judgement and Approach**
- Reflect on the possibilities and limitations of science, describe its role in society, and explain individuals’ responsibility for how science is used.
- Demonstrate knowledge within their subject area and take responsibility for their continued knowledge development
Content
The course addresses educational research and theories on children's learning in both informal and formal contexts. As part of the course, students are required to write a text on children's learning, in which they are to discuss and problematise central scientific concepts in relation to empirical material concerning children's learning in educational settings.
Entry requirements
A completed degree of at least 180 credits, including an independent degree project (15 credits) in the main field of study of Education or an equivalent field, or a completed teacher education degree of at least 180 credits including a 15-credit independent project. Proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle studies in Sweden is also required.
Selection rules and procedures
The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.
Teaching form
Teaching is conducted primarily online, with a number of mandatory meetings.
Examination form
1001: Individual written and oral examination, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
The examination consists of writing an individual text and presenting it orally.
Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria
If a student has received a notification from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding educational support due to a disability, the examiner is entitled to provide an adapted form of examination.
Grading system
Three-grade scale
Other information
The course may not be included in a degree together with the course code PE051A and PE075A.
Course reading
Required literature
Author: Wyn, J., Cahill, H., & Cuervo, H.
Title: Handbook of Children and Youth Studies. (e-bok)
Edition: Latest
Publisher: Springer
Author: Fleer, M. & van Oers, B.
Title: Handbook of Early Childhood Education (e-bok)
Edition: Latest
Publisher: Springer
Scientific articles relevant to the course content and the chosen area will be added.
Reference literature
Author: Carr, David
Title: Making sense of Education. An introduction to the philosophy and theory of education and teaching
Edition: 2003
Publisher: London: Routledge
Comment: 294 p.
Author: Bailey, R., Barrow, R., Carr, D., & McCarthy, C.
Title: The SAGE Handbook of Philosophy of Education
Edition: Latest
Publisher: Sage
Comment: 570 p.