Practical training for students admitted to the specialization "ECEC institutions in international Perspectives" (Barnehager i internasjonale perspektiv) as part of their Bachelor in Early Childhood Teacher Education, 3rd year of study, at Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education (DMMH). These students complete this practical training course instead of one of the course code BFPRA300.

In accordance with the requirements of the Norwegian National Framework for Early Childhood Teacher Education (ECTE), 3rd year students must complete 25 days of practical training in an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) setting (nursery, preschool, kindergarten, R-class, infant class, etc.).

In the final year of the Norwegian ECTE, being a leader and manager for children and staff is emphasized, and the students should get opportunities to learn and practice these skills during their final practical training period. At the end of their training, the students are obliged to submit a written self-assesmet following criteria set by DMMH. 

The student

• has knowledge about cultural differences in views on children, childhood, and relations between children and adults, and how these potentially affect children’s rights and participation.
• can lead different lessons/learning activities with children.
• has skills in pedagogical leadership and can reflect on their ability to supervise and lead groups of children and collaborate with personnel in ECEC institutions.
• has knowledge about the organization of preschools and the preschool teaching profession in different cultural contexts and can utilize this knowledge to reflect on their professional identity. 
• has knowledge about the physical learning environment and how it can affect children’s possibilities for learning.
• has skills in evaluating their intercultural learning and competence. 

During the first week of practical training, digital meetings will be arranged with students and mentors at DMMH to adapt tasks to the local context if necessary. Students is expected to be an active participant in the ECEC institution, and collaborate with the personnel on tasks during the practical training.

All written reflections must include relevant theory/literature and relate to the learning outcomes that are applicable to the issue. All tasks will be supervised by the designated mentors at DMMH.

The following tasks must be done as a part of the practical training

      1. Practical Contract

The contract must be delivered during the first week in practical training.

      2. Narratives from Practical Training

The student writes at least 3 narratives with reflections during practical training. The narratives should focus on cultural differences in teaching and/or everyday practices of ECEC institutions. Students are expected to take part and share one of their narratives in a digital group discussion to gain input before writing their first reflection.

      3. Observations of the Preschool Teacher

The student should observe the teacher’s teaching practices twice and using different observation methods. The focus should be on the teachers’ leadership and classroom management approaches and his or her interaction with children.

      4. Interview with Preschool Teacher

The student shall interview the preschool teacher about his or her educational background, thoughts about children and childhood, learning, play, collaboration with parents, classroom management and leadership and other relevant themes.

      5. Leading Learning Activities/Lessons

The student should take responsibility for planning, carrying out and evaluating at least 3 lessons or formal teaching activities. The content of the activity must be relevant and related to local focus areas of the preschool and be decided in collaboration with staff and children. At least one of the teaching activities/ lessons must be art-based.

      6. Mapping of the Learning Environment

The student maps the learning environment for example through taking photos. The student will submit a collage and write a reflection about how the physical learning environment influences pedagogical work, learning and play conditions for children.

      7. My Intercultural Competence - Write a Reflective Journal

The students are expected to write a reflective journal related to their intercultural learning and competence during their stay abroad. Towards the end of their practical training period the students write a reflection based on at least 3 paragraphs from their reflective journal. These 3 paragraphs need to be attached to the reflection when submitted to mentors at DMMH.

Mandatory coursework that has to be completed before practical training: PF3

Evaluation of the coursework and the student`s learning outcomes is given by the practical training tutor at DMMH during the practical training period as described above, and through evaluation of the final report, which the student must submit no later than 5 working days after the practical training is completed (all 25 days).The student must use the template in the practical training handbook (see “Further information”) as a basis for the final report.

The practical training report is evaluated by a practical training tutor at DMMH, and must be approved to get a passing grade in the course. If the report is not approved initially, the student is given a deadline of 5 working days to improve on it.

The final grade in the course is set by the practical training tutor at DMMH, with advice from the Head of practical training. The following points are taken into consideration for the final grade:

• The student’s preparations for practical training
• How the student deals with challenges
• The student’s ability to understand the connections between theory and practice through written and oral presentations
• How the student shows responsibility for independent learning
• How the student shows self-assessment
• The student’s ability to try out their ideas and to show creativity in solving problems
• How the student shows responsibility concerning attendance, agreements, co-operating with the staff, and completing tasks
• How well the student fulfills the expected learning outcomes for the 3rd year of practice

100 % attendance is required (25 days of 6,5 hours). The ECEC institustion has to fill inn the Attendance form on the last day of practical training. For further information, refer to the section on practical training (Praksisstudier) in the ECTE study plan.

If the practical training is failed or discontinued the student must complete a postponed practical training in a Norwegian ECEC institution the following spring. Cf. the course description for practical training in the 3rd year of study in the ECTE study plan.

The course participants must read and follow all regulations for practical training at DMMH. See:

• Practical training at DMMH: http://dmmh.no/praksis
• Practical training handbook (Praksishåndboka): http://dmmh.no/praksis/praksishandbok
• Guidelines for practical training: http://dmmh.no/praksis/retningslinjer-for-praksis