Early Childhood Teacher Practice

Practice is a learning arena on par with other parts of the education. All parts of the education shall prepare the students for the kindergarten teacher profession.

Imagine being a part of children's first big discoveries as they experience something new, when they master climbing a little higher, or when they share a secret with a friend. You are the safe base that gives courage to explore, joy to play, and security to grow. It is a profession that shapes the future, giving children values, knowledge, and memories for life. And in the midst of all this, you get to experience magical moments, laughter, and questions that open new perspectives. Working in kindergarten is making a difference – every single day, for every single child.

Practice is a mandatory part of the kindergarten teacher education. Through practice, students will gain varied experiences that provide an introduction to the profession and form a basis for critical reflection. There are increasing demands on students' independence, responsibility and progression in practical training.

Practice should prepare students for the kindergarten teacher's varied tasks, and great emphasis is placed on close cooperation between the practice kindergartens, students and lecturers at the University College. In practice, students are expected to be active participants in the kindergarten's pedagogical activities, and develop professional and didactic competence. During your studies, you will complete practice in various practice kindergartens.

Becoming a kindergarten teacher is a process that will require professional knowledge, reflection and practical experience. Students should therefore gain experience in reflecting on how theory and practice interact and what ethical challenges kindergarten life can offer.

Practical information

Scope

Private kindergartens

International Internship

Within the field of study Society, religion, worldview and ethics, students can apply for internships abroad. The internship period is four weeks and is primarily located in the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar and Nepal.

The purpose of internships abroad is for students to experience and gain experience in how to run kindergartens/educational programs for children under school age in another culture.

Guidance and assessment

All practice must be guided and evaluated. The practice teacher must set aside 1.5 hours of guidance per week. The guidance is based on the student's position, tasks and reflection, based on theory and experience.

Students must have completed and passed the practice to be able to continue their studies.

The practice teacher must conduct an individual assessment conversation with each student midway through the practice period. The assessment is based on the learning outcomes for the current practice period.

Practice ends with an individual conversation between the student and the practice teacher, where the final assessment is the basis for the conversation.

The student must experience progression in practice, and the overall focus in the various practice periods will be expanded from year to year.

Who do we collaborate with?

Teacher educators together
NLA University College and the practice kindergartens are equal partners and have a shared responsibility for content, quality and assessment in practice and for progression in the practice training. We educate future kindergarten teachers together!

NLA University College collaborates with private and municipal kindergartens in Bergen/Oslo municipality and the surrounding area.

Applications to become a practice kindergarten should be sent to the Practice Administration BLU NLA University College, to Lene Nottveit (lene.nottveit@nla.no)

Accommodation