Embracing diversity and social sustainability through playful art
Through working on this topic, students will be provided with an arena for receiving intercultural competence, learning more about the practice of preschools and early childhood education (ECEC) teacher training in the Nordic-Baltic area, exchanging experiences and good practice, and developing future ECEC teachers’ skills using aesthetic approaches as tools to manage aspects according to cultural and personal diversity and social sustainability.
ECEC teachers should be able to use playful, creative and innovative methods that inspire children’s curiosity, according to curricula in the participating countries. Furthermore, the relevance of focusing on diversity and social sustainability is emphasised in all of the societies as a whole and in curricula and teacher training programs in the involved countries.
Higher Education Entrance Qualification
Language requirement: see general guidelines for admission
In addition, the following requirements apply to this study program: Applicants must document their status as a kindergarten teacher student and a copy of their passport.
Knowledge:
Students
- got knowledge of social sustainability and diversity
- got knowledge on Nordic-Baltic cultural understanding and cooperation in the area of kindergarten teacher education
- got knowledge in newer research on the topics
Skills
Students
- are able to use playful and creative teaching methods for supporting the understanding of social sustainability and diversity
- can use playful art as a way of working with children in relation to diverse subjects
- shows knowledge on diversity and awareness of social sustainability through children’s playful and experiential learning
General competence
Students
- can communicate in an international group
- know the pedagogical role in children’s playful and experiential learning
- show knowledge on communication in English
No tuition fees. Costs for semester registration and course literature apply. Exception: Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees.
In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop at their disposal, with camera and headset for participation in online lectures. Students must have an internet line with capacity for online lectures.
The main teaching methods will be lectures, workshops and study group work where the students will be working in both national and international groups. There will also be student presentations and study visits, and social activities organised by the students. The language will be English.
All teaching activities are mandatory.
Compound assessment:
All assessments must be approved/passed to receive a passing grade for the course.
Assessment task (AK): Two presentations in national groups. Tasks will be given before students arrive in Nesna. Comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale: Approved/Not Approved.
Attendance/compulsory participation (OD): Minimum 80 %. Comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale: Approved/Not Approved.
Practical Exam (PE): During the final day of the course, the students in international groups will make a performance or show different products or write a report, that evaluate the most important learning points of the course. Duration: 25 minutes. Comprises 100/100 of the grade, grading scale: Passed/Not Passed.
Lecturers will be supervising or giving a formative evaluation during the process, and after the performance they will also give a summative evaluation
