Participation and Mastering in Different Groups and Learning Environment

This course sheds light on schooling and learning from a social psychological perspective as well as from a special educational perspective. There are differences between children and adolescence when it comes to learning abilities, needs and interests in both school and leisure activities. The concept of groups and group dynamics are central and important areas which will be dealt with are: roles, norms, values, conformity, stereotypes, and communication. The focus on social competence and social skills will also be important. Emphasis will be put on circumstances in both learning environment (i.e., school and sports) and society that are important to these processes. Although the theoretical understandings are important, the practical implications will also be central.

Knowledge: The student will have learned and gained knowledge on various learning environments (school and leisure activities) for children and youth, and be able to discuss these in the light of social psychological and special pedagogical theories.

Skills: The student will learn to analyze different learning environment, and be able to plan and facilitate a constructive learning environment that provides mastery experiences.

General competence: The student will have the skills to understand and apply knowledge of social psychological processes and special education in working with groups of children and youth.

3 hours teaching pr. week.