The environment and the world – a practical approach to social studies
The course is the second of two modules in the study KfK Samfunnsfag 1, for 5th - 10th grade. Academically, this module aims to address the theme of Sustainable Development, which is both an interdisciplinary theme and a social science core element in the Professional Renewal (Fagfornyelsen), further contributing to the core elements of social studies Wonder and Exploration, as well as Identity Development and Community.
Among other things, we will emphasize critical action competence when it comes to teaching about sustainability. This means that the teaching must contribute to developing students' ability to make their own (independent) assessments of environmental and resource issues. We shed light on this by focusing on the analysis of conflicts of interest, where assessment of both economic, social and environmental issues is central.
This module will also address a number of didactic and methodological questions regarding teaching in social studies, exemplified through metacognitive learning strategies and the use of the local community in teaching. This learning strategy (using the local community) will also have an impact on the core element of identity development and community understanding, together with a focus on identity of places. We will approach wonder and exploration through, among other things, metacognitive learning strategies such as Teaching Thinking, but here a focus on digital teaching aids and the study of different sources of knowledge will also play an important role.
- Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge of key environmental and resource problems, and can assess both economic, social and environmental conditions regarding these problems
- knowledge of different understandings of the concept of sustainable development, and how this affects the approaches to teaching about sustainable development
- knowledge of how historical and geographical conditions affect the identity of places and regions, and can assess how this has an impact on students' identity development
- knowledge of how the local community can be used as a learning arena in social studies
- knowledge of how various digital aids can be used in social studies teaching
Skills
The student can
- analyze conflicts of interest in environmental and resource issues, and use this as a basis for teaching about such conflicts
- facilitate the use of the local community as a social science learning arena
- use different methods in teaching within selected social science topics.
- use digital aids in social studies teaching, including digital maps and statistics.
General competence
The student can
- reflect independently and critically on social science issues related to teaching for sustainable development
- work with values and attitudes in social studies to promote critical reflection and action competence in students
The study is online only. The course is organised with one weekly meeting of 1-2 hours. Everything that is reviewed in the form of lectures will be recorded and posted online.
Emphasis will be placed on varied forms of work. The course aims to share knowledge, experiences and reflections among course participants, partly through Zoom or equivalent. This also applies to the implementation and presentation of work requirements. Students will be given assignments aimed at practical work at their own school. Active participation and dialogue are necessary in order to achieve the course's learning outcomes.
Home exam (HJ), 3 days. Grades A - F
Work requirements (AK). Approved not approved.
In order to receive a final assessment in the course, AK must be assessed as approved.