Education MA, Children's Learning in Informal and Formal Contexts II, 7.5 credits

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

- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding in education, including describing an overview of the field and explaining in detail the conditions for young children's learning.

Skills and Abilities

- Present one's own conclusions orally and in writing, explain the underlying knowledge and reasoning, and discuss these in dialogue with different groups.
- Critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze issues and phenomena related to the conditions for children's learning.
- Demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in other qualified professional contexts.

Judgement and Approach

- Identify and formulate research questions in a critical, independent, and creative manner; plan and carry out a field study using appropriate methods within a given timeframe that contributes to knowledge development regarding the conditions for children's learning; and evaluate the completed work.
- Reflect on the possibilities and limitations of science, describe its role in society, and explain human responsibility for how science is applied.
- Demonstrate subject-specific knowledge and take responsibility for one’s continued learning and professional development.

Content

The course covers educational research and theories concerning children’s learning in both informal and formal contexts. A key component is the authorship of a written text on children’s learning, which critically discusses and problematizes central scientific concepts in relation to empirical material addressing children’s learning in pedagogical 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 via distance learning, supplemented by a number of mandatory on-campus meetings.

Examination form

3001: Individual written and oral examination, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
The examination consists of individual writing of a text and to oral present the same.

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

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

The course may not be included in a degree together with the course code PE056A och PE082A. The course will be held in English.