English 2 (1-7)

English 2 builds upon English 1 and gives further insight into English subject didactic questions related to the education of young language learners and pupils in primary school. The students will further develop their knowledge of linguistic structures, English as a world language, a variety of oral, written and visual texts, as well as historical and cultural issues within the English-speaking world. The course consists of further developing students' language proficiency and literary competence. English 2 provides more experience with activities and methods that can inspire and promote learning, as well as further insight into choosing and using texts and other learning resources. Under supervision, the students will design and execute an independent research project, whose findings are documented through the written assignment (i.e., the FOU thesis). The topic for the project is decided by the students in collaboration with the supervisors; it will therefore vary from student to student.

Knowledge

The student has

• extensive knowledge of how children learn a language, with emphasis on young learners and pupils in primary school
• detailed knowledge about vocabulary acquisition and linguistic structures in English, from sound to text level
• extensive knowledge of multilingualism as a resource in the classroom
• knowledge of English as a world language and what this means for the development of linguistic, communicative, and intercultural competence
• knowledge of society, history and a rich selection of cultural and literary artifacts from the English-speaking world
• knowledge about a rich selection of literary texts, oral, written and visual, as well as other cultural expressions that can be used when teaching children
• knowledge of genres and their central characteristics, as well as norms for academic text production, responsible use of sources and data protection, as well as referencing standards
• detailed knowledge within a limited area of English subject didactics
• knowledge about central documents (e.g., the Norwegian national curriculum) and resources for the English subject

Skills

The student can

• use English accurately and functionally for different purposes, both orally and in writing
• plan, lead, and critically evaluate varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital and interdisciplinary ones, which promote in-depth learning and the development of basic skills
• select, discuss, analyze, and adapt English-language texts in different genres for children and adolescents, and use precise and adapted terminology while working with texts
• collect and adapt information about society, cultural topics, and cultural expressions from English-speaking countries for use in teaching, including interdisciplinary projects
• locate, understand, refer to, and reflect on relevant English subject research literature and write academic essays
• survey and evaluate basic language skills, employ measures for differentiated learning and discover pupils' reading and writing difficulties
• use formative assessment to guide pupils in their English education

General competence

The student can

• work independently and collaboratively to survey and to differentiate pupils' learning and development
• maintain and develop their language proficiency and subject didactic competence, and contribute to subject development and innovation
• critically reflect on their own learning and praxis in light of ethical values and the school's responsibility for children and adolescents' personal development
• master critical, responsible, and ethical AI use in the process of academic research

The English subject comprises linguistic, cultural and literary components, which are closely linked. The course requires that students understand each component individually and collectively. Active participation is expected throughout the entire study process. Students are required to engage with course content through self-study outside of the organized teaching sessions, and through group work and on the digital learning platform. The FOU thesis is an independent piece of work complemented by individual supervision. Students will be assessed continuously throughout the course, and they will receive oral and written feedback from course instructors and peers. English will be used for both teaching and communication. Thus, it is expected that students use the language actively during teaching, and in written and oral communication. Further, students are expected to actively use the university library and to prepare for planned teaching. Through process and product oriented work with assignments and self-assessment of these, in addition to presentations and active participation in the teaching, the students will contribute to, and receive supervision in, the progression of their studies.