Professional Development and Research Methods in English Subject Didactics

The core of this course is to help teachers develop into researchers of education in general and in the English subject in particular, taking the teachers’ reflections around their own experiences as a starting point. The course provides advanced knowledge about qualitative research methods in education, including interviews, classroom studies (observations), case studies and action research. We will work with formulating relevant research questions and finding appropriate methods and theories which can help answering these. The participants will analyze data material and interpret results independently. As a part of the course, the participants will also design and carry out an individual research project at their school and write an assignment which constitutes the final evaluation in the course.

Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge about the teachers’ role in competency development in schools
• advanced knowledge about ethical guidelines for research in the humanities and social sciences
• advanced insight into research methods and design in English subject didactics, with a focus on classroom studies (observation), interviews, case studies and action research
• thorough, research-based knowledge about data collection and handling, such as data reduction, transcription and coding

Skills

The student can

• apply knowledge in English and English subject didactics to formulate and find answers to practical and theoretical research questions connected to teaching English in primary school
• plan a research project in English subject didactics by formulating relevant research questions, creating an appropriate research design, reflecting on the use of relevant methods, as well as validity and ethical considerations connected to conducting research in their own school
• carry out a research project by collecting empirical data and handling the data, discussing various perspectives for data analysis, discussing projects and sharing insights from the project in writing and in presentations

General competence

The student can

• evaluate subject relevance in development work and research connected to teaching and learning English
• lead and organize development projects in the English subject at their school
• supervise colleagues in developing the English subject to improve teaching and learning
• critically evaluate challenges connected to the researcher’s position in a school context

The course will take place over one semester with three meetings. Between the meetings, the course presupposes self-study, work with different learning tasks and participation on the learning platform.

Teaching will include lectures, group work and discussions, practical learning activities, oral presentations and written work. A continuous aspect of the course is also the candidates’ own development of academic writing and reading skills.

Active participation is expected throughout the whole study process. All teaching and communication will be in English, and the candidates are expected to use the language actively during the meetings and in written and oral communication with peers and instructors.