4MGL5ENG101 English Language and English Language Didactics

All versions: 
4MGL5ENG101 (2025—2026)

Course code: 

4MGL5ENG101

Course name: 

English Language and English Language Didactics

Semester: Fall/Autumn

Location: Oslo

Academic year: 2025—2026

Language: English 

Credits: 15 ECTS Credits

Available as a single course: No

Application: Apply at our local application page 

Required prerequisite knowledge

General study competence at university level

Recommended prerequisite knowledge

Good language skills in English.

Relevance within study programme

English 1, modules 1.1 and 1.2, are compulsory components within the Year Course in English. English 1 can also be included as an elective in primary school teacher training for grades 5-10.

Introduction

The subject of English in primary to secondary school teacher training is a key tool for interpersonal understanding in a global world, as well as an important means of formative education in Norwegian classrooms. Communication, tolerance and intercultural understanding require language skills and knowledge of literature and culture. Language skills promote dialogue, provide fresh opportunities for cultural engagement and facilitate critical reflection. Subject English is important as a bridge-builder in a diverse and multicultural classroom and contributes to increased interdisciplinarity with an emphasis on democratic understanding and life skills.

English 1 for grades 5-10 provides an introduction to language, literature, culture and didactics.

English 1 consists of two modules:

  • Module 1 English Language and Language Didactics (15 ECTS credits)
  • Module 2 English Literature, Culture, and Didactics (15 ECTS credits)

Both modules must be passed to get English 1, 5-10 approved.

Learning outcome descriptors

Knowledge

The student

  • is familiar with important language learning theories and methods of second language teaching for children and young people
  • has awareness of multilingualism as a resource in language teaching
  • is familiar with significant differences between English and Norwegian in language teaching in terms of pronunciation, spelling and sentence structure
  • has knowledge of and can apply current curriculum and pedagogical materials in subject English
  • is familiar with didactic research and development work in English language for grades 5-10

Skills

The student

  • can use English confidently and independently and be a good linguistic role model for the students
  • can plan and lead language learning activities that promote the development of basic skills and allow for differentiation
  • can use various digital tools in language teaching
  • can use different types of assessment, including formative assessment, to supervise students in their English education
  • can detect language difficulties, including reading and writing difficulties, and facilitate adapted training
  • is competent in academic writing and reading

General competence

The student

  • can convey relevant knowledge and use English language appropriately adapted to students in grades 5-10
  • can further develop their own cultural, literary and didactic competence
  • can exchange views on learning and practice in a professional community and contribute to the development of students and colleagues
  • can reflect on and face ethical challenges in a school context with a focus on children and young people

Content

In English 1 5-10, English Language and English Language Didactics, students will acquire basic knowledge about how children and young people learn languages ​​in different ways, with a main focus on grades 5-10. The students will learn how to be good linguistic models in the classroom. They will also learn how to design both oral and written teaching plans adapted to the different student groups and age levels. Emphasis is placed on varied activities and up-to-date methods for English language teaching at middle and junior levels.

Teaching and learning methods

All teaching in the subject takes place in English.

There will be lectures, group work, individual work, project work and presentations. Interaction and dialogue among students and between academic staff and students is a prerequisite for learning and developing didactic competence and language practice in the subject. Attendance and active participation are required: see the teaching plan provided at the start of the course for details.

The course requires a substantial amount of independent work. Students are expected to participate actively and contribute to a positive learning environment. Class sessions will focus on the course bibliography, in addition to other subject-relevant knowledge. Parts of the course may be taught online. Details on this will be given at the start of the course.

Scope

400 hours

Coursework requirements

The following work requirements must be approved within the stated deadlines in order to take the exam in the subject:

  • A written assignment
  • An oral presentation
  • A development-related group work linked to an interdisciplinary theme in the National Curriculum 2020
  • There is also a requirement for at least 80% participation in teaching
  • Completed study trip to York

All work requirements are completed in English, and at least two must have a didactic focus.

More detailed information about the content of the work requirements, assessment criteria and deadlines will be provided in the teaching plan for the course at the start of the course. Compulsory work requirements are assessed as ‘approved’ or ‘not approved’ and do not count towards the final grade for the course. All compulsory assignments must be approved before the student can take the final exam. Reference is otherwise made to "Regulations for courses at NLA University College" and "Guidelines for compulsory work requirements for primary school and kindergarten teacher training at NLA University College".

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved / Not Approved

Final assessment

Written school exam, 6 hours

Grading, examination

ECTS grading scale from A to F, in which E or better is necessary in order to pass

Permitted aids under examination

None

Assessment language

English

Progression requirements

English 1, module 1.1, must be completed in order to progress to English 2, module 2.1.

Practice

Students who take the subject as part of primary school teacher training 5-10 follow their own practice plan.

Credit reductions

The subject overlaps 10 credits towards 4MGL1ENG101: English Language and Didactics.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated according to the quality system for NLA University College.

Available as Single Course

No

Digital bibliography

Literature and professional resources can be found here.