Project Studies in Child Welfare

The course gives insights into social science methods, and experience in the research process by working with a concrete project in a group. Related to the project the students formulate a research question within child protection related to social pedagogical work, or environmental work in or outside institutions. The research question is covered through a literature search and the gathering of data in the field. The approach and results must be reported through a project report that is the written part of the exam. The data collection in the project is done in Norway or abroad. The importance of cultures for child raising is covered. The results from the project is presented orally for fellow students and teachers.

Knowledge
- Has knowledge of social science methods and what distinguishes qualitative and quantitative methods
- Has knowledge of ethical challenges and privacy regulations related to social science surveys
- Has knowledge of the importance of cultures for adolescence and change work

Skills
- Can formulate, explore and illuminate a research question wtihin child welfare related to social pedagogical or environmental work
- Can gather and process information/data
- Can search for literature related to a concrete theme and research question, and use the literature in the planning and report from a research project.
- Can clarify the work in group and group processes

General competence
- Can reflect upon different sides of knowledge production
- Has insights into ethical challenges related to the collection of data from foreign cultures
- Can take responsibility for cooperation in a group and promote constructive group processes

Lectures, group work, project work and writing and oral presentation.