Education MA, Didactics, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims for the student to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to second‑cycle education and shall, in addition to what applies at the first‑cycle level,


- further develop their ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge within the main field of Education with a specialisation in Didactics,
- develop their ability to manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations, and
- develop the conditions required for professional practice demanding a high degree of independence, or for research and development work within the main field of Education with a specialisation in Didactics.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding within the main field of Education, including both an overview of the field and in‑depth knowledge in Didactics, as well as insight into current research and development work;
• demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge within the didactic field of the main subject Education;
• demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess, and manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations, even with limited information, in relation to Didactics;
• demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate didactic questions, and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out qualified tasks within given time frames, as well as evaluate this work;
• demonstrate the ability to clearly present and discuss, both orally and in writing, their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which these are based, in dialogue with different groups;
• demonstrate the skills required to participate in didactic research and development work or to work in other qualified professional contexts;
• demonstrate the ability to make assessments within the main field of Education, particularly within Didactics, taking into account relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical considerations in research and development work;
• identify and describe their need for further knowledge within the didactic field of the main subject Education and take responsibility for their own learning.

Content

The course covers theories of learning, knowledge, and teaching, and their interrelations. Central concepts within the field of Didactics relevant to the planning and analysis of teaching are examined. Epistemological perspectives are explored in depth and related to the question of scientific and proven experience as the basis for teachers’ instruction. The concept of didactic competence is contextualised and problematised, as is the relationship between teaching theory and teaching practice.

As part of the course, a development project is carried out, including documentation and presentation.

Entry requirements

A completed degree comprising at least 180 credits, including an independent project (degree project) of 15 credits in the main field of Education or an equivalent field, or a completed teacher education degree comprising at least 180 credits with an independent project (degree project) of 15 credits. In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English is required, corresponding to the general entry requirements for first‑cycle studies in Swedish higher education.

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 in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises, supervision, and self‑study. The course includes two compulsory meetings: an introductory meeting and a final meeting held on campus in Sundsvall or alternatively online via Zoom. Teaching may be conducted in English and may make use of various forms of communication.

Examination form

3101: Literature Blogs, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Written Assignment

3102: Development Project, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Written Assignment

The student is examined both in writing and orally. In addition to individual forms of examination, group‑based examination is included. Examinations may take place continuously throughout the course or at the end of the course.

Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/betygskriterier

If the student has a decision 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 PE053A.

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, etc., are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.