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 (QMUC). These students complete this practical training course instead of one of the course codes BHPRA300, BKPRA300, BMPRA300 or BNPRA300.

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 QMUC. 

The student

• has knowledge about cultural differences in views on relations between children and adults, and how these differences affect the children’s rights and participation
• can lead different lessons/learning activities with children 
• has skills in pedagogical leadership and can reflect on his/her own ability to supervise and lead groups of children and coperate  with personnel in ECEC institutions.
• has knowledge about the organization of the pre-school in another cultural setting as well as the pre-school teacher profession, and has the ability to apply this knowledge to reflect on his/her own professional identity
• has knowledge about the physical learning environment and how it can effect childrens possibilities for learning
• has skills in evaluating his/hers personal intercultural learning 

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

All written reflections should refer to relevant theory and to the learning outcomes that are applicable to the issue.

The student is expected to be an active participant in the ECEC institution, and to cooperate with the staff in work tasks in the practical training.

During the first week in practical training there will be arranged digital meeting with students and tecahers at Queen Maud i order to adapt task to the local setting if necessary.

Practical contract

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

Narratives from practical training

The student writes at least 3 narrative with reflections and relevant theory during practical training.

The narratives should focus on cultural differences in teaching or everyday practices of the preschool. These narratives must be sent to the mentor at QMUC for supervision.

The student must tak part in a digital group tutorial discussing some of these narratives. 

Observation of the preschool teacher

The student shall observe the teacher’s teaching practices twice and use two different observastion methods. Focus should be on the teachers leading approches  and his or her interaction with the children.

Write a reflection with relevant theory afterwards.

Interview with preschool teacher

The student shall interview the preschool teacher about his or her educational background, thoughts about children, learning, play, cooperation with parentes and other relevant themes.

Write a reflection with relevant theory after the interview has been conducted.

Leading learning activities

The student should take responsibility for planning, carrying out and evaluating at least 3 lessons or formal teaching activities in the class.

In one lesson the student shall read a book with a intercultural theme and try to engage children in a conversation about similarities and differences.

The other two lessons are free of choice. If possible cooperate with the preschool teacher and arrange to lessons relvant for the children.

Write a evaluation  with relevant theory for each lesson. 

Mapping of the learning environment

Take different photos in the classrom. How is the room organised? What on the walls? What kid of materials are available? instruments? Books? Play materials? What is in the playground outside? 

Make a collage of all these photos and write reflection about how the physical  learning environment influence on the pedagogical work and learning conditions for children.

My intercultural intercultural competance - write a reflective journal

Write a reflection on your intercultural learning during your stay abroad.

-How does it feel to be new in a culture in the beginning, after some time and now at the end of your practical training?

-What practices do you recognize from previous practical training in preschools? What is familiar and what is unfamiliar? Tell about challenges you have meet. 

-What have inspired you during this practical training?

-Have you learned something you will bring back with you to Norway?

-How can experiences from a different ECEC setting contribute to your qualification as preschool teacher?

Write a reflection with relevant theory.(500-750 words.)

Evaluation of the coursework and the student`s learning outcomes is given by the practical training tutor at QMUC during the practical training period as described above, and through evaluation of the final report, which the student must submit no later than 2 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 QMUC, 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 QMUC, 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 own ideas and to show creativity in solving problems
• How the student shows responsibility with regard to attendance, agreements, co-operating with the staff and completing tasks
• How well the student fulfils 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 QMUC. See:

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