The main aim of the course is that students become acquainted with various ways of teaching science in compulsory schools, acquire skills in organizing such teaching, and understand its value. Emphasis is on natural science topics that are related to the students' experiences. The focus will be on practical work indoors and outdoors and possibilities in the immediate vicinity of schools. Various ways of studying nature will be introduced, such as an examination of geological phenomena, a plant inspection as well as methods for collecting small animals and an analysis of organisms. Students will gain experience in organizing outdoor lessons. Concepts and theories in chemistry appropriate for prospective compulsory students will be studied with emphasis on pedagogical content knowledge. Students will also be introduced to the opportunities that the use of information technology provides to promote interest and curiosity about nature. The curriculum and learning materials of the compulsory school related to the subject of the course will also be examined.

The course will examine the structure of chemicals, chemical changes, atomic theory and the periodic table. Also nature of Iceland including plants, birds, small animals, freshwater and beach organisms with an emphasis on their habitat and adaptation to the Icelandic environment. The sea around Iceland and the factors that shape the ecosystem in Icelandic waters will be discussed. In addition, the internal (volcanic activity) and external forces (climate and water) that shape the country's environment will be discussed.

The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.

The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.

Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source. 

In the course teacher students are introduced to the main goals of teaching mathematics in compulsory schools. The emphasis is both on content and the process of teaching and learning.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students will study how different approaches in teaching affect learning. Consideration is given to the role of the teacher and competances to be expected.

Students use ICT in their own learning and in connection with the teaching of mathematics.

This course will focus on Icelandic culture and literature in a broad understanding, as well as how both factor into language use and linguistic world of different subjects within the school system.

This will include a discussion of basic concepts of literary theory, discourse analysis and cultural studies, and a variety of methods and media in teaching will be introduced, which can increase understanding and interest among elementary school students in their own culture as well as other cultures. 

Students will have the opportunity to read literary fiction from both past and present and put it into context with their own experiences as well as their future approach to teaching different school subjects.

A variety of texts will be discussed, both fiction as well as practical/didactic texts and recreational texts, with the goal that students realize and appreciate that language is the tool we use in all our daily lives and studies regardless of subject. The deep layers of meaning found in all manner of texts will be analyzed, and students will be given the proper tools to scrutinize texts in their surroundings in an independent and critical manner.

This course will focus on interweaving of different elementary school subjects and how Icelandic is the subject that binds all other subjects together, emphasizing the teacher’s role of teaching in Icelandic, rather than teaching Icelandic as a subject. For this reason a special focus will be placed on how Icelandic provides a base for the teaching of several other subjects, including social studies, mathematics, natural sciences, foreign languages, and not least art subjects, e.g. visual arts and drama.

An introductory course intended to provide an overview of contemporary ideas and perspectives on learning and instruction and teachers working environments. Major learning theories, trends and issues are introduced which will then be discussed in later courses focusing on learning and the teacher profession.

Important conceptions, concepts and issues covered: Learning theories and research, conditions for learning and teaching, teachers practice theories, learning-learner-learning environment, organisation of learning, instructional planning, curriculum development and collaboration, teachers professionalism and practice theories, legal and regulatory frameworks for compulsory education.

Procedure: Lectures, reflective studies, seminars, individual and group work, projects, interactive lectures, field work and training.

The aim of the course is for students to strengthen their knowledge of the pedagogy of natural sciences and field work in compulsory school is a part of the course. The role of teachers in learning of natural sciences will be examined.  Special attention will be paid to practical work and pupil’s everyday ideas. Possibilities for outdoor learning will be explored along with opportunities offered by virtual environments. 

The natural science topics covered in this course within the field of physical sciences include thermal energy and temperature, heat transfer, utilization of thermal energy, and energy processes related to chemical changes. The geoscience topics addressed in the course include, on the one hand, the effects of internal and external forces on the shaping of the Earth's surface, and on the other hand, the practical applications of geosciences in sustainable resource utilization and environmental monitoring.

The teacher students strengthen their knowledge of selected mathematical topics, including number theory and geometry.

The course also treats numeration systems and basic arithmetic.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students reflect on how different approaches in teaching affect students understanding of mathematical concepts.

The course aims for student teachers to acquire knowledge and skills in general pedagogy and the ability to teach students at the compulsory school level.

• The focus is on teaching methods in compulsory schools, the learning environment, and class management, and on discussing what characterizes effective teaching.
• Attention is directed to the characteristics of the age levels of compulsory school and presents ways to stimulate development and meet the different needs of students in an inclusive school.
• Cooperation and communication between students, teamwork, and team teaching by teachers will be discussed, but also the relationship between homes and schools and the participation of parents in their children's education.
• Student teachers receive training in pronunciation and voice protection, expression, and manners.
• With a field study, a student teacher gets practice in planning diverse studies, implementing teaching methods, using information technology, and evaluating his experience.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main focus of the course will be on the teaching of natural and social sciences and how these subjects can be integrated through the Storyline approach. Special issues and tasks will be chosen within nature and social sciences and integrated with other subject areas. Teaching material, equipment and teaching environment that supports learning and teaching will be explored and appropriate assessment methods will be introduced and discussed. Students will learn to apply information technology tools and a creative approach in teaching and learning.

The aim of the course is to cover the main concepts in mathematics learning in primary school. Students explore what it means to do mathematics and developing understanding in mathematics. They learn to plan mathematics teaching in problem based environment using information technology and plan assessment into instruction.

This course aims to provide students with insights into the unique conditions of Danish teaching in Icelandic primary schools. We will explore fundamental concepts and theories related to language acquisition, specifically relevant to foreign language instruction. Additionally, we’ll align academic goals and objectives for Danish teaching in Iceland with theories of language acquisition and foreign language pedagogy. The course also examines how teachers’ learning and language perspectives manifest in Danish as a foreign language classrooms.

The goals of the course are to provide students with opportunities to practice their Danish speaking skills and increase their understanding of the levels and characteristics of spoken language and discourse. Subject areas will include phonetics and Danish pronunciation, rhythm and stress, accents and Danish varieties, differences between spoken and written Danish, and aspects of oral communication and fluency. Students will receive practice in a variety of speech acts and situations (speech events) such as discussions, conversations, presentations, storytelling, and reading aloud.

A historical overview of principles, methods, and best practices of English language teaching. Introduction to the national curriculum of English, teaching materials, and resources. Focus on student-centered teaching, learner autonomy, teacher reflection, and developing a philosophy of teaching.

The National Curriculum Guide will be read and analyzed. Students will have an opportunity to observe and evaluate recorded teaching and they will practice reflecting on their own ideas about teaching and experience of language learning. 

Course work demands active participation and consists of reading, written assignments, discussion, group and individual work, and microteaching.

The course will look in depth at English teaching methods and principles aimed at young learners. Topics include characteristics of young learners, National Curriculum objectives, and teaching and assessment methods, especially those related to listening, speaking, reading, writing, games, songs and creative activities. Students will receive training in lesson planning and integrating English teaching with other subjects.
Course work consists of reading, oral and written assignments, discussions, group work and active participation. The course includes a teaching practice component at primary or middle school levels consisting of classroom observation, practice teaching and a written report. Student teachers will gain experience in creating lessons and activities that take into account young children’s needs and abilities. Students who are exempt from teaching practice (e.g. BA students) will complete an alternative assignment.

In the course, a foundation of academic knowledge for prospective Icelandic teachers on Icelandic literature will be laid to prepare them for teaching in primary schools. Emphasis will be placed on developing students as independent readers of various types of literature. Additionally, spoken language, listening, observation, reading, and writing will be addressed on a scholarly basis and through practical tasks. The course will focus on active listening and observation, and students will be trained to communicate their knowledge verbally and to utilize various media to enhance these aspects for themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults, as well as narratives in other media such as theater and film, will be discussed. General analytical methods will be employed, and critical reading skills will be developed for comprehension and interpretation. Attention will be given to how texts can provoke discussion on ethical concepts and viewpoints. Furthermore, literary texts will be read with the aim for students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will engage in analyzing the differences between spoken language and written language from a scholarly perspective and practice working with different forms of spoken language and texts in various contexts.

Students will get to know theories about active listening and active viewing and will use varied mediums to enforce these skills within themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults will be covered, as well as folk tales and national culture related to them. General methods of analysis will be employed and literacy trained towards understanding and interpretation. It will be emphasized how texts can encourage discussions about ethical terminology and matters. In addition, literary texts will be read enabling the students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will learn to distinguish between spoken and written language in a theoretical manner and get training in working with different types of spoken language and texts on various text levels.

The basic theoretical knowledge of the Icelandic phonology, morphology and syntax will be introduced, focusing on observing language through children’s acquisition and how they build up their inner grammar. In addition, the emphasis will be on the students’ own language, where they will be guided in self-observations as well as looking into other people’s language use.

In this course emphasis will be placed on the practical application of current scholarship in teaching Icelandic. Students will receive training in varied ways and methods to teach Icelandic which are meant to increase understanding and interest in topics in Icelandic. In addition, planning and preparation of teaching and assessment will be discussed.

The course centres on two main components of the teaching of Icelandic, namely writing and grammar. In addition, fundamental pillars of education will be discussed and how students can weave them into their teaching of Icelandic. Emphasis will be on training the students in working with learning outcomes and assessment outcomes for Icelandic and to promote escalation in teaching of the main components of the teaching of Icelandic.

The students get training in how to approach their teaching in a critical manner and to utilize current scholarship. They will also get practice in working critically with existing teaching materials and compare it with the current National Curriculum so as to develop their own teaching and teaching methods. In addition, the integration with other subjects of teaching will be addressed.

It will be addressed how teachers can take into account diverse group of pupils when planning their teaching so the pupils get an opportunity to approach topics in Icelandic according to their own experience and interests.

The contents of the course will be put into connection with on-site education. Students will observe teaching, consider it and evaluate it in accordance with the course’s subject matters.

Students will learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Students continue to learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas. This course emphasizes cross disciplinary cooperation within the arts subjects.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Content: The course is an introduction to the teaching of social sciences with an emphasis on the training of discussions, critical thinking and the ability to look at different points of view. Emphasis is on active reflection, where students take a critical look at their presumptions  on various issues. It also gives insights into various topics that are a part of social science teaching (cf. the national curriculum).

Methods: According to the timetable, discussions and project work occur during lessons in real-time on Zoom. Argumentation assignments will be done in connection to the lectures. Additionally there will be compulsory discussions each week (80%). Students can choose between discussions in Stakkahlíð or in realtime on Zoom. 

Course topics: The aim of the course is for participants to become aware of diverse factors that influence people‘s views of life and make them better prepared to teach social sciences. Three views will be dealt with. First is the personal and individual, then the common, social and structural. Then the relations of the personal and the common one with international agreements like United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the course questions of how these appear in the structure and content of school work will be asked, e.g. with regard to the national curriculum. In the course themes related to people‘s views of life will be discussed using questions of moralty, religion, societal views and government, families and people‘s local/domestic environment, and how rights and obligations form people‘s vision.

Working methods: The course is organised in two week rounds, each focusing on one theme. Lectures will be available online and reading material provided as links or pdf-documents. Final exam counts as 40% and assignments (e.g. written ones and online quizzes) count as 60%. The course in taught in weekly sessions on-line

The course is an introduction to design and craft education: Design and woodwork, Textiles and design and Health promotion and home economics. Project ideas are adapted to different subjects of the course. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills aspects from idea to completion in all work components of the course. Students work on subjects that are suitable for school work and record work processes in photographs, drawings and in text form.

The aim is to prepare student teachers for field studies in design and crafts subjects with an emphasis on pedagogical aspects. In project selection, students take into account the basic elements of education and the learning standards of a subject in the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. In the processing of projects, emphasis is placed on creative and professional work methods. Students receive training in the preparation of syllabi, become acquainted with various teaching methods and compare different assessment methods in design and crafts subjects. Students keep a guidebook and present their experiences from the field.

The course will cover selected topics from classical geometry, analytical geometry and algebra. Software used in teaching and learning algebra and geometry will be introduced.

Basic topics from Euclidean geometry will be covered; concepts, axioms and postulates on parallel lines, polygons and circles. Simple constructions with circle and ruler. Selected topics from analytical geometry e.g. the equation of a circle, solutions of linear equations and equation systems, second degree equations, absolute value equations and inequalities.

The software GeoGebra will be used for visualization, making conjectures, constructions and drawings.

The topics of study are the aims of mathematics teaching in compulsory school, mathematical competence and the organisation of mathematics teaching in compulsory school. The national curriculum and textbooks are examined and analyzed. Special consideration is given to how students acquire competence to communicate and apply mathematics. Attention is directed to the importance of continuity in learning where main ideas become clearer and richer with time. Students learn to plan for mathematics lessons that take into account the needs of all students. Equity and students' access to mathematics education will be discussed. Students try out different ways of teaching and emphasis is placed on the use of diverse media and learning materials. Based on their experience in the field, students reflect on their teaching, their choice of teaching conten, the role of the teacher and communication with students and communication between students. Emphasis is placed on diverse learning environments and teaching methods based on research into mathematics learning and teaching.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The course is designed to expose students to perspectives on curriculum development and assessment in compulsory education. The following educational process is emphasized:

Students discuss and learn about basic concepts and issues related to assessment and curriculum development in compulsory education. Issues and ideologies reflected in official curricula, law, directives, and other policy briefings are discussed both theoretically and in praxis. Special focus is laid on the role of teachers in curriculum development and assessment, and alternatively their professional role in developing learning programs for groups of pupils as well as individual pupils with special needs. Nature, purpose, and strategies regarding assessment and curriculum are addressed (cf. formative assessment, summative assessment, writing test items and other test instruments, and marking and reporting). Students discuss and learn about controversial issues and different ideological currents concerning central questions about the purpose and aims of compulsory education. Key questions discussed are: What should be the purpose of the school, what should be taught and assessed in compulsory schools, how and why? What counts as legitimate knowledge and competence, and how should we administer and organize compulsory education.

The working process of the course consists of lectures, field-related assignments, and critical discussion through seminars and group assignments

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

The course will aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes that take place from birth through adolescence.

Content:
The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes during different phases of childhood and adolescence, and theories that describe and explain those changes. Theories of cognitive development, emotional and social development, the development of self, and moral development will be discussed. The approaches of behaviourism and ecological theory will also be highlighted. The origins and nature of individual differences, continuity and discontinuity of development, as well as plasticity of development will be discussed. The interaction between development and learning, motivation, parenting practices, culture, and different social environments will be addressed. A strong emphasis will be placed on the importance of understanding child development when working with children in applied settings.

Procedure:
The course will consist of lectures and recitations. Students' will have a chance to discuss the topics of the course and deepen their understanding of the age group they plan to focus on during their studies and work.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

The B.Ed. thesis in teachingis a 10 ECTS credit written thesis completed under supervision of a faculty member.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course is designed to expose students with two main perspectives on educational research. On the one hand methodology related to data collection and data analysis, on the other hand reading and discussing educational research conducted by others. In all sections of the course an emphasis is placed on knowing and understanding concepts and ideas from educational research; students read about them, discuss and apply them in tasks connected to quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. They also discuss and apply concepts related to action research.

The course comprises lectures, discourse, student presentations and field-related assignments.

The purpose of this course is give an overview of the Earth as a planet in our solar system with emphasis on gravity, the energy budget and seasons, phases of the moon and children's ideas about these phenomena and also describe the physical geography of the Earth, particularly geomorphology and geological history, weather and climatic zones and their relation to the vegetation belts, tides, ocean currents and the main fishing grounds. Man's impact on the physical environments will be discussed with respect to concepts such as pollution and greenhouse effect. This course is heavily focused on teaching about the Earth in Icelandic compulsory schools.

Teaching is based on weekly classes (not all weeks of the term) and field trips (in the Capital area). Each student must attent at least five of these trips and do a short summary on each. Further information about assignments and exams are introduced in the course teaching plan.

Research in science education both internationally and in Iceland will be discusses. Research on practical work, place-based education and the attitudes and interest in science will be considered. The use of ICT and research and development in this field will be discussed.
A special focus will be research on what is involved when students learn science. Attention will be paid to the relationship between science and sustainability on the one hand and on the other what teaching methods seem to be affected. The discussion will be related to the national curriculum.

Learning approaches include reading papers on research and development, creating concise abstracts about them nad discussing them on the internet and in class. Students must be able to collect information from a range of sources, present their ideads and assignments and take an active part in discussion. Students will become familiar with conferences and journal articles in the field, for example, but looking at the home pages of such conferences in order to identify important approaches in this field

It is expected that the participants gain a good understanding of different research methods used in science education research and develop a critical attitude toward such endeavour. Participants will be expected to make inquiries into their own practice as teachers and inquire into pupils' ideas about natural phenomena or to acquaint themselves with databases from national or international projects or to conduct small scale qualitative research into experience of children and/or teachers in science education.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about waves, sound and light to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as oscillations, waves on a string and on water, wave properties, sound production, propagation and interaction with matter, light production, propagation and interaction with matter. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Students will work with learning outcomes in earth sciences of age group of their choice. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities, both indoor and outdoor, organising field trips, relating these to learning outcomes of the curriculua and how to engage students to influence their own learning in earth sciences. Focus is on research about children´s ideas concerning formation and erosion of land.

Students will study diverse teaching material with special emphasis on using information technology. The role of teachers in earth science education will be explored together with opportunities for integration with other subjects.

Working methods include students´ choice of topics, micro-teaching and exercises in organising and processing assessment.

Lectures and discussions: Research on understanding of key biology concepts, on the value of practicals in biology teaching, on the value and features of outdoor teaching and learning and on different teaching methods.  Assessment of students in biology.

Practical work: use of equipments in biology teaching, different teaching methods in the labaratory, in class and outdoors.

 The main aim of the course is that students become acquainted with various ways of teaching science in compulsory schools, acquire skills in organizing such teaching, and understand its value. Emphasis is on natural science topics that are related to the students' experiences. The focus will be on practical work indoors and outdoors and possibilities in the immediate vicinity of schools. Various ways of studying nature will be introduced, such as an examination of geological phenomena, a plant inspection as well as methods for collecting small animals and an analysis of organisms. Students will gain experience in organizing outdoor lessons. Concepts and theories in chemistry appropriate for prospective compulsory students will be studied with emphasis on pedagogical content knowledge. Students will also be introduced to the opportunities that the use of information technology provides to promote interest and curiosity about nature. The curriculum and learning materials of the compulsory school related to the subject of the course will also be examined.

The course will examine the structure of chemicals, chemical changes, atomic theory and the periodic table. Also nature of Iceland including plants, birds, small animals, freshwater and beach organisms with an emphasis on their habitat and adaptation to the Icelandic environment. The sea around Iceland and the factors that shape the ecosystem in Icelandic waters will be discussed. In addition, the internal (volcanic activity) and external forces (climate and water) that shape the country's environment will be discussed.

The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.

The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.

Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source. 

In the course teacher students are introduced to the main goals of teaching mathematics in compulsory schools. The emphasis is both on content and the process of teaching and learning.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students will study how different approaches in teaching affect learning. Consideration is given to the role of the teacher and competances to be expected.

Students use ICT in their own learning and in connection with the teaching of mathematics.

This course will focus on Icelandic culture and literature in a broad understanding, as well as how both factor into language use and linguistic world of different subjects within the school system.

This will include a discussion of basic concepts of literary theory, discourse analysis and cultural studies, and a variety of methods and media in teaching will be introduced, which can increase understanding and interest among elementary school students in their own culture as well as other cultures. 

Students will have the opportunity to read literary fiction from both past and present and put it into context with their own experiences as well as their future approach to teaching different school subjects.

A variety of texts will be discussed, both fiction as well as practical/didactic texts and recreational texts, with the goal that students realize and appreciate that language is the tool we use in all our daily lives and studies regardless of subject. The deep layers of meaning found in all manner of texts will be analyzed, and students will be given the proper tools to scrutinize texts in their surroundings in an independent and critical manner.

This course will focus on interweaving of different elementary school subjects and how Icelandic is the subject that binds all other subjects together, emphasizing the teacher’s role of teaching in Icelandic, rather than teaching Icelandic as a subject. For this reason a special focus will be placed on how Icelandic provides a base for the teaching of several other subjects, including social studies, mathematics, natural sciences, foreign languages, and not least art subjects, e.g. visual arts and drama.

An introductory course intended to provide an overview of contemporary ideas and perspectives on learning and instruction and teachers working environments. Major learning theories, trends and issues are introduced which will then be discussed in later courses focusing on learning and the teacher profession.

Important conceptions, concepts and issues covered: Learning theories and research, conditions for learning and teaching, teachers practice theories, learning-learner-learning environment, organisation of learning, instructional planning, curriculum development and collaboration, teachers professionalism and practice theories, legal and regulatory frameworks for compulsory education.

Procedure: Lectures, reflective studies, seminars, individual and group work, projects, interactive lectures, field work and training.

The aim of the course is for students to strengthen their knowledge of the pedagogy of natural sciences and field work in compulsory school is a part of the course. The role of teachers in learning of natural sciences will be examined.  Special attention will be paid to practical work and pupil’s everyday ideas. Possibilities for outdoor learning will be explored along with opportunities offered by virtual environments. 

The natural science topics covered in this course within the field of physical sciences include thermal energy and temperature, heat transfer, utilization of thermal energy, and energy processes related to chemical changes. The geoscience topics addressed in the course include, on the one hand, the effects of internal and external forces on the shaping of the Earth's surface, and on the other hand, the practical applications of geosciences in sustainable resource utilization and environmental monitoring.

The teacher students strengthen their knowledge of selected mathematical topics, including number theory and geometry.

The course also treats numeration systems and basic arithmetic.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students reflect on how different approaches in teaching affect students understanding of mathematical concepts.

The course aims for student teachers to acquire knowledge and skills in general pedagogy and the ability to teach students at the compulsory school level.

• The focus is on teaching methods in compulsory schools, the learning environment, and class management, and on discussing what characterizes effective teaching.
• Attention is directed to the characteristics of the age levels of compulsory school and presents ways to stimulate development and meet the different needs of students in an inclusive school.
• Cooperation and communication between students, teamwork, and team teaching by teachers will be discussed, but also the relationship between homes and schools and the participation of parents in their children's education.
• Student teachers receive training in pronunciation and voice protection, expression, and manners.
• With a field study, a student teacher gets practice in planning diverse studies, implementing teaching methods, using information technology, and evaluating his experience.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main focus of the course will be on the teaching of natural and social sciences and how these subjects can be integrated through the Storyline approach. Special issues and tasks will be chosen within nature and social sciences and integrated with other subject areas. Teaching material, equipment and teaching environment that supports learning and teaching will be explored and appropriate assessment methods will be introduced and discussed. Students will learn to apply information technology tools and a creative approach in teaching and learning.

The aim of the course is to cover the main concepts in mathematics learning in primary school. Students explore what it means to do mathematics and developing understanding in mathematics. They learn to plan mathematics teaching in problem based environment using information technology and plan assessment into instruction.

This course aims to provide students with insights into the unique conditions of Danish teaching in Icelandic primary schools. We will explore fundamental concepts and theories related to language acquisition, specifically relevant to foreign language instruction. Additionally, we’ll align academic goals and objectives for Danish teaching in Iceland with theories of language acquisition and foreign language pedagogy. The course also examines how teachers’ learning and language perspectives manifest in Danish as a foreign language classrooms.

The goals of the course are to provide students with opportunities to practice their Danish speaking skills and increase their understanding of the levels and characteristics of spoken language and discourse. Subject areas will include phonetics and Danish pronunciation, rhythm and stress, accents and Danish varieties, differences between spoken and written Danish, and aspects of oral communication and fluency. Students will receive practice in a variety of speech acts and situations (speech events) such as discussions, conversations, presentations, storytelling, and reading aloud.

A historical overview of principles, methods, and best practices of English language teaching. Introduction to the national curriculum of English, teaching materials, and resources. Focus on student-centered teaching, learner autonomy, teacher reflection, and developing a philosophy of teaching.

The National Curriculum Guide will be read and analyzed. Students will have an opportunity to observe and evaluate recorded teaching and they will practice reflecting on their own ideas about teaching and experience of language learning. 

Course work demands active participation and consists of reading, written assignments, discussion, group and individual work, and microteaching.

The course will look in depth at English teaching methods and principles aimed at young learners. Topics include characteristics of young learners, National Curriculum objectives, and teaching and assessment methods, especially those related to listening, speaking, reading, writing, games, songs and creative activities. Students will receive training in lesson planning and integrating English teaching with other subjects.
Course work consists of reading, oral and written assignments, discussions, group work and active participation. The course includes a teaching practice component at primary or middle school levels consisting of classroom observation, practice teaching and a written report. Student teachers will gain experience in creating lessons and activities that take into account young children’s needs and abilities. Students who are exempt from teaching practice (e.g. BA students) will complete an alternative assignment.

In the course, a foundation of academic knowledge for prospective Icelandic teachers on Icelandic literature will be laid to prepare them for teaching in primary schools. Emphasis will be placed on developing students as independent readers of various types of literature. Additionally, spoken language, listening, observation, reading, and writing will be addressed on a scholarly basis and through practical tasks. The course will focus on active listening and observation, and students will be trained to communicate their knowledge verbally and to utilize various media to enhance these aspects for themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults, as well as narratives in other media such as theater and film, will be discussed. General analytical methods will be employed, and critical reading skills will be developed for comprehension and interpretation. Attention will be given to how texts can provoke discussion on ethical concepts and viewpoints. Furthermore, literary texts will be read with the aim for students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will engage in analyzing the differences between spoken language and written language from a scholarly perspective and practice working with different forms of spoken language and texts in various contexts.

Students will get to know theories about active listening and active viewing and will use varied mediums to enforce these skills within themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults will be covered, as well as folk tales and national culture related to them. General methods of analysis will be employed and literacy trained towards understanding and interpretation. It will be emphasized how texts can encourage discussions about ethical terminology and matters. In addition, literary texts will be read enabling the students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will learn to distinguish between spoken and written language in a theoretical manner and get training in working with different types of spoken language and texts on various text levels.

The basic theoretical knowledge of the Icelandic phonology, morphology and syntax will be introduced, focusing on observing language through children’s acquisition and how they build up their inner grammar. In addition, the emphasis will be on the students’ own language, where they will be guided in self-observations as well as looking into other people’s language use.

In this course emphasis will be placed on the practical application of current scholarship in teaching Icelandic. Students will receive training in varied ways and methods to teach Icelandic which are meant to increase understanding and interest in topics in Icelandic. In addition, planning and preparation of teaching and assessment will be discussed.

The course centres on two main components of the teaching of Icelandic, namely writing and grammar. In addition, fundamental pillars of education will be discussed and how students can weave them into their teaching of Icelandic. Emphasis will be on training the students in working with learning outcomes and assessment outcomes for Icelandic and to promote escalation in teaching of the main components of the teaching of Icelandic.

The students get training in how to approach their teaching in a critical manner and to utilize current scholarship. They will also get practice in working critically with existing teaching materials and compare it with the current National Curriculum so as to develop their own teaching and teaching methods. In addition, the integration with other subjects of teaching will be addressed.

It will be addressed how teachers can take into account diverse group of pupils when planning their teaching so the pupils get an opportunity to approach topics in Icelandic according to their own experience and interests.

The contents of the course will be put into connection with on-site education. Students will observe teaching, consider it and evaluate it in accordance with the course’s subject matters.

Students will learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Students continue to learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas. This course emphasizes cross disciplinary cooperation within the arts subjects.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Content: The course is an introduction to the teaching of social sciences with an emphasis on the training of discussions, critical thinking and the ability to look at different points of view. Emphasis is on active reflection, where students take a critical look at their presumptions  on various issues. It also gives insights into various topics that are a part of social science teaching (cf. the national curriculum).

Methods: According to the timetable, discussions and project work occur during lessons in real-time on Zoom. Argumentation assignments will be done in connection to the lectures. Additionally there will be compulsory discussions each week (80%). Students can choose between discussions in Stakkahlíð or in realtime on Zoom. 

Course topics: The aim of the course is for participants to become aware of diverse factors that influence people‘s views of life and make them better prepared to teach social sciences. Three views will be dealt with. First is the personal and individual, then the common, social and structural. Then the relations of the personal and the common one with international agreements like United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the course questions of how these appear in the structure and content of school work will be asked, e.g. with regard to the national curriculum. In the course themes related to people‘s views of life will be discussed using questions of moralty, religion, societal views and government, families and people‘s local/domestic environment, and how rights and obligations form people‘s vision.

Working methods: The course is organised in two week rounds, each focusing on one theme. Lectures will be available online and reading material provided as links or pdf-documents. Final exam counts as 40% and assignments (e.g. written ones and online quizzes) count as 60%. The course in taught in weekly sessions on-line

The course is an introduction to design and craft education: Design and woodwork, Textiles and design and Health promotion and home economics. Project ideas are adapted to different subjects of the course. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills aspects from idea to completion in all work components of the course. Students work on subjects that are suitable for school work and record work processes in photographs, drawings and in text form.

The aim is to prepare student teachers for field studies in design and crafts subjects with an emphasis on pedagogical aspects. In project selection, students take into account the basic elements of education and the learning standards of a subject in the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. In the processing of projects, emphasis is placed on creative and professional work methods. Students receive training in the preparation of syllabi, become acquainted with various teaching methods and compare different assessment methods in design and crafts subjects. Students keep a guidebook and present their experiences from the field.

The course will cover selected topics from classical geometry, analytical geometry and algebra. Software used in teaching and learning algebra and geometry will be introduced.

Basic topics from Euclidean geometry will be covered; concepts, axioms and postulates on parallel lines, polygons and circles. Simple constructions with circle and ruler. Selected topics from analytical geometry e.g. the equation of a circle, solutions of linear equations and equation systems, second degree equations, absolute value equations and inequalities.

The software GeoGebra will be used for visualization, making conjectures, constructions and drawings.

The topics of study are the aims of mathematics teaching in compulsory school, mathematical competence and the organisation of mathematics teaching in compulsory school. The national curriculum and textbooks are examined and analyzed. Special consideration is given to how students acquire competence to communicate and apply mathematics. Attention is directed to the importance of continuity in learning where main ideas become clearer and richer with time. Students learn to plan for mathematics lessons that take into account the needs of all students. Equity and students' access to mathematics education will be discussed. Students try out different ways of teaching and emphasis is placed on the use of diverse media and learning materials. Based on their experience in the field, students reflect on their teaching, their choice of teaching conten, the role of the teacher and communication with students and communication between students. Emphasis is placed on diverse learning environments and teaching methods based on research into mathematics learning and teaching.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The course is designed to expose students to perspectives on curriculum development and assessment in compulsory education. The following educational process is emphasized:

Students discuss and learn about basic concepts and issues related to assessment and curriculum development in compulsory education. Issues and ideologies reflected in official curricula, law, directives, and other policy briefings are discussed both theoretically and in praxis. Special focus is laid on the role of teachers in curriculum development and assessment, and alternatively their professional role in developing learning programs for groups of pupils as well as individual pupils with special needs. Nature, purpose, and strategies regarding assessment and curriculum are addressed (cf. formative assessment, summative assessment, writing test items and other test instruments, and marking and reporting). Students discuss and learn about controversial issues and different ideological currents concerning central questions about the purpose and aims of compulsory education. Key questions discussed are: What should be the purpose of the school, what should be taught and assessed in compulsory schools, how and why? What counts as legitimate knowledge and competence, and how should we administer and organize compulsory education.

The working process of the course consists of lectures, field-related assignments, and critical discussion through seminars and group assignments

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

The course will aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes that take place from birth through adolescence.

Content:
The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes during different phases of childhood and adolescence, and theories that describe and explain those changes. Theories of cognitive development, emotional and social development, the development of self, and moral development will be discussed. The approaches of behaviourism and ecological theory will also be highlighted. The origins and nature of individual differences, continuity and discontinuity of development, as well as plasticity of development will be discussed. The interaction between development and learning, motivation, parenting practices, culture, and different social environments will be addressed. A strong emphasis will be placed on the importance of understanding child development when working with children in applied settings.

Procedure:
The course will consist of lectures and recitations. Students' will have a chance to discuss the topics of the course and deepen their understanding of the age group they plan to focus on during their studies and work.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

The B.Ed. thesis in teachingis a 10 ECTS credit written thesis completed under supervision of a faculty member.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course is designed to expose students with two main perspectives on educational research. On the one hand methodology related to data collection and data analysis, on the other hand reading and discussing educational research conducted by others. In all sections of the course an emphasis is placed on knowing and understanding concepts and ideas from educational research; students read about them, discuss and apply them in tasks connected to quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. They also discuss and apply concepts related to action research.

The course comprises lectures, discourse, student presentations and field-related assignments.

The purpose of this course is give an overview of the Earth as a planet in our solar system with emphasis on gravity, the energy budget and seasons, phases of the moon and children's ideas about these phenomena and also describe the physical geography of the Earth, particularly geomorphology and geological history, weather and climatic zones and their relation to the vegetation belts, tides, ocean currents and the main fishing grounds. Man's impact on the physical environments will be discussed with respect to concepts such as pollution and greenhouse effect. This course is heavily focused on teaching about the Earth in Icelandic compulsory schools.

Teaching is based on weekly classes (not all weeks of the term) and field trips (in the Capital area). Each student must attent at least five of these trips and do a short summary on each. Further information about assignments and exams are introduced in the course teaching plan.

Research in science education both internationally and in Iceland will be discusses. Research on practical work, place-based education and the attitudes and interest in science will be considered. The use of ICT and research and development in this field will be discussed.
A special focus will be research on what is involved when students learn science. Attention will be paid to the relationship between science and sustainability on the one hand and on the other what teaching methods seem to be affected. The discussion will be related to the national curriculum.

Learning approaches include reading papers on research and development, creating concise abstracts about them nad discussing them on the internet and in class. Students must be able to collect information from a range of sources, present their ideads and assignments and take an active part in discussion. Students will become familiar with conferences and journal articles in the field, for example, but looking at the home pages of such conferences in order to identify important approaches in this field

It is expected that the participants gain a good understanding of different research methods used in science education research and develop a critical attitude toward such endeavour. Participants will be expected to make inquiries into their own practice as teachers and inquire into pupils' ideas about natural phenomena or to acquaint themselves with databases from national or international projects or to conduct small scale qualitative research into experience of children and/or teachers in science education.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about waves, sound and light to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as oscillations, waves on a string and on water, wave properties, sound production, propagation and interaction with matter, light production, propagation and interaction with matter. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Students will work with learning outcomes in earth sciences of age group of their choice. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities, both indoor and outdoor, organising field trips, relating these to learning outcomes of the curriculua and how to engage students to influence their own learning in earth sciences. Focus is on research about children´s ideas concerning formation and erosion of land.

Students will study diverse teaching material with special emphasis on using information technology. The role of teachers in earth science education will be explored together with opportunities for integration with other subjects.

Working methods include students´ choice of topics, micro-teaching and exercises in organising and processing assessment.

Lectures and discussions: Research on understanding of key biology concepts, on the value of practicals in biology teaching, on the value and features of outdoor teaching and learning and on different teaching methods.  Assessment of students in biology.

Practical work: use of equipments in biology teaching, different teaching methods in the labaratory, in class and outdoors.

 The main aim of the course is that students become acquainted with various ways of teaching science in compulsory schools, acquire skills in organizing such teaching, and understand its value. Emphasis is on natural science topics that are related to the students' experiences. The focus will be on practical work indoors and outdoors and possibilities in the immediate vicinity of schools. Various ways of studying nature will be introduced, such as an examination of geological phenomena, a plant inspection as well as methods for collecting small animals and an analysis of organisms. Students will gain experience in organizing outdoor lessons. Concepts and theories in chemistry appropriate for prospective compulsory students will be studied with emphasis on pedagogical content knowledge. Students will also be introduced to the opportunities that the use of information technology provides to promote interest and curiosity about nature. The curriculum and learning materials of the compulsory school related to the subject of the course will also be examined.

The course will examine the structure of chemicals, chemical changes, atomic theory and the periodic table. Also nature of Iceland including plants, birds, small animals, freshwater and beach organisms with an emphasis on their habitat and adaptation to the Icelandic environment. The sea around Iceland and the factors that shape the ecosystem in Icelandic waters will be discussed. In addition, the internal (volcanic activity) and external forces (climate and water) that shape the country's environment will be discussed.

The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.

The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.

Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source. 

In the course teacher students are introduced to the main goals of teaching mathematics in compulsory schools. The emphasis is both on content and the process of teaching and learning.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students will study how different approaches in teaching affect learning. Consideration is given to the role of the teacher and competances to be expected.

Students use ICT in their own learning and in connection with the teaching of mathematics.

This course will focus on Icelandic culture and literature in a broad understanding, as well as how both factor into language use and linguistic world of different subjects within the school system.

This will include a discussion of basic concepts of literary theory, discourse analysis and cultural studies, and a variety of methods and media in teaching will be introduced, which can increase understanding and interest among elementary school students in their own culture as well as other cultures. 

Students will have the opportunity to read literary fiction from both past and present and put it into context with their own experiences as well as their future approach to teaching different school subjects.

A variety of texts will be discussed, both fiction as well as practical/didactic texts and recreational texts, with the goal that students realize and appreciate that language is the tool we use in all our daily lives and studies regardless of subject. The deep layers of meaning found in all manner of texts will be analyzed, and students will be given the proper tools to scrutinize texts in their surroundings in an independent and critical manner.

This course will focus on interweaving of different elementary school subjects and how Icelandic is the subject that binds all other subjects together, emphasizing the teacher’s role of teaching in Icelandic, rather than teaching Icelandic as a subject. For this reason a special focus will be placed on how Icelandic provides a base for the teaching of several other subjects, including social studies, mathematics, natural sciences, foreign languages, and not least art subjects, e.g. visual arts and drama.

An introductory course intended to provide an overview of contemporary ideas and perspectives on learning and instruction and teachers working environments. Major learning theories, trends and issues are introduced which will then be discussed in later courses focusing on learning and the teacher profession.

Important conceptions, concepts and issues covered: Learning theories and research, conditions for learning and teaching, teachers practice theories, learning-learner-learning environment, organisation of learning, instructional planning, curriculum development and collaboration, teachers professionalism and practice theories, legal and regulatory frameworks for compulsory education.

Procedure: Lectures, reflective studies, seminars, individual and group work, projects, interactive lectures, field work and training.

The aim of the course is for students to strengthen their knowledge of the pedagogy of natural sciences and field work in compulsory school is a part of the course. The role of teachers in learning of natural sciences will be examined.  Special attention will be paid to practical work and pupil’s everyday ideas. Possibilities for outdoor learning will be explored along with opportunities offered by virtual environments. 

The natural science topics covered in this course within the field of physical sciences include thermal energy and temperature, heat transfer, utilization of thermal energy, and energy processes related to chemical changes. The geoscience topics addressed in the course include, on the one hand, the effects of internal and external forces on the shaping of the Earth's surface, and on the other hand, the practical applications of geosciences in sustainable resource utilization and environmental monitoring.

The teacher students strengthen their knowledge of selected mathematical topics, including number theory and geometry.

The course also treats numeration systems and basic arithmetic.

Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. The teacher students reflect on how different approaches in teaching affect students understanding of mathematical concepts.

The course aims for student teachers to acquire knowledge and skills in general pedagogy and the ability to teach students at the compulsory school level.

• The focus is on teaching methods in compulsory schools, the learning environment, and class management, and on discussing what characterizes effective teaching.
• Attention is directed to the characteristics of the age levels of compulsory school and presents ways to stimulate development and meet the different needs of students in an inclusive school.
• Cooperation and communication between students, teamwork, and team teaching by teachers will be discussed, but also the relationship between homes and schools and the participation of parents in their children's education.
• Student teachers receive training in pronunciation and voice protection, expression, and manners.
• With a field study, a student teacher gets practice in planning diverse studies, implementing teaching methods, using information technology, and evaluating his experience.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main focus of the course will be on the teaching of natural and social sciences and how these subjects can be integrated through the Storyline approach. Special issues and tasks will be chosen within nature and social sciences and integrated with other subject areas. Teaching material, equipment and teaching environment that supports learning and teaching will be explored and appropriate assessment methods will be introduced and discussed. Students will learn to apply information technology tools and a creative approach in teaching and learning.

The aim of the course is to cover the main concepts in mathematics learning in primary school. Students explore what it means to do mathematics and developing understanding in mathematics. They learn to plan mathematics teaching in problem based environment using information technology and plan assessment into instruction.

This course aims to provide students with insights into the unique conditions of Danish teaching in Icelandic primary schools. We will explore fundamental concepts and theories related to language acquisition, specifically relevant to foreign language instruction. Additionally, we’ll align academic goals and objectives for Danish teaching in Iceland with theories of language acquisition and foreign language pedagogy. The course also examines how teachers’ learning and language perspectives manifest in Danish as a foreign language classrooms.

The goals of the course are to provide students with opportunities to practice their Danish speaking skills and increase their understanding of the levels and characteristics of spoken language and discourse. Subject areas will include phonetics and Danish pronunciation, rhythm and stress, accents and Danish varieties, differences between spoken and written Danish, and aspects of oral communication and fluency. Students will receive practice in a variety of speech acts and situations (speech events) such as discussions, conversations, presentations, storytelling, and reading aloud.

A historical overview of principles, methods, and best practices of English language teaching. Introduction to the national curriculum of English, teaching materials, and resources. Focus on student-centered teaching, learner autonomy, teacher reflection, and developing a philosophy of teaching.

The National Curriculum Guide will be read and analyzed. Students will have an opportunity to observe and evaluate recorded teaching and they will practice reflecting on their own ideas about teaching and experience of language learning. 

Course work demands active participation and consists of reading, written assignments, discussion, group and individual work, and microteaching.

The course will look in depth at English teaching methods and principles aimed at young learners. Topics include characteristics of young learners, National Curriculum objectives, and teaching and assessment methods, especially those related to listening, speaking, reading, writing, games, songs and creative activities. Students will receive training in lesson planning and integrating English teaching with other subjects.
Course work consists of reading, oral and written assignments, discussions, group work and active participation. The course includes a teaching practice component at primary or middle school levels consisting of classroom observation, practice teaching and a written report. Student teachers will gain experience in creating lessons and activities that take into account young children’s needs and abilities. Students who are exempt from teaching practice (e.g. BA students) will complete an alternative assignment.

In the course, a foundation of academic knowledge for prospective Icelandic teachers on Icelandic literature will be laid to prepare them for teaching in primary schools. Emphasis will be placed on developing students as independent readers of various types of literature. Additionally, spoken language, listening, observation, reading, and writing will be addressed on a scholarly basis and through practical tasks. The course will focus on active listening and observation, and students will be trained to communicate their knowledge verbally and to utilize various media to enhance these aspects for themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults, as well as narratives in other media such as theater and film, will be discussed. General analytical methods will be employed, and critical reading skills will be developed for comprehension and interpretation. Attention will be given to how texts can provoke discussion on ethical concepts and viewpoints. Furthermore, literary texts will be read with the aim for students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will engage in analyzing the differences between spoken language and written language from a scholarly perspective and practice working with different forms of spoken language and texts in various contexts.

Students will get to know theories about active listening and active viewing and will use varied mediums to enforce these skills within themselves.

Contemporary literature for children and adults will be covered, as well as folk tales and national culture related to them. General methods of analysis will be employed and literacy trained towards understanding and interpretation. It will be emphasized how texts can encourage discussions about ethical terminology and matters. In addition, literary texts will be read enabling the students to enjoy them and share their reading experience with others.

Students will learn to distinguish between spoken and written language in a theoretical manner and get training in working with different types of spoken language and texts on various text levels.

The basic theoretical knowledge of the Icelandic phonology, morphology and syntax will be introduced, focusing on observing language through children’s acquisition and how they build up their inner grammar. In addition, the emphasis will be on the students’ own language, where they will be guided in self-observations as well as looking into other people’s language use.

In this course emphasis will be placed on the practical application of current scholarship in teaching Icelandic. Students will receive training in varied ways and methods to teach Icelandic which are meant to increase understanding and interest in topics in Icelandic. In addition, planning and preparation of teaching and assessment will be discussed.

The course centres on two main components of the teaching of Icelandic, namely writing and grammar. In addition, fundamental pillars of education will be discussed and how students can weave them into their teaching of Icelandic. Emphasis will be on training the students in working with learning outcomes and assessment outcomes for Icelandic and to promote escalation in teaching of the main components of the teaching of Icelandic.

The students get training in how to approach their teaching in a critical manner and to utilize current scholarship. They will also get practice in working critically with existing teaching materials and compare it with the current National Curriculum so as to develop their own teaching and teaching methods. In addition, the integration with other subjects of teaching will be addressed.

It will be addressed how teachers can take into account diverse group of pupils when planning their teaching so the pupils get an opportunity to approach topics in Icelandic according to their own experience and interests.

The contents of the course will be put into connection with on-site education. Students will observe teaching, consider it and evaluate it in accordance with the course’s subject matters.

Students will learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Students continue to learn about the importance of the arts in the education of children and adolescents. The focus will be on expression through visual arts, drama and music. Students will develop creative projects based on their own ideas. This course emphasizes cross disciplinary cooperation within the arts subjects.

Methods: Numerous workshops based on different teaching methods and various ideas.

Content: The course is an introduction to the teaching of social sciences with an emphasis on the training of discussions, critical thinking and the ability to look at different points of view. Emphasis is on active reflection, where students take a critical look at their presumptions  on various issues. It also gives insights into various topics that are a part of social science teaching (cf. the national curriculum).

Methods: According to the timetable, discussions and project work occur during lessons in real-time on Zoom. Argumentation assignments will be done in connection to the lectures. Additionally there will be compulsory discussions each week (80%). Students can choose between discussions in Stakkahlíð or in realtime on Zoom. 

Course topics: The aim of the course is for participants to become aware of diverse factors that influence people‘s views of life and make them better prepared to teach social sciences. Three views will be dealt with. First is the personal and individual, then the common, social and structural. Then the relations of the personal and the common one with international agreements like United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the course questions of how these appear in the structure and content of school work will be asked, e.g. with regard to the national curriculum. In the course themes related to people‘s views of life will be discussed using questions of moralty, religion, societal views and government, families and people‘s local/domestic environment, and how rights and obligations form people‘s vision.

Working methods: The course is organised in two week rounds, each focusing on one theme. Lectures will be available online and reading material provided as links or pdf-documents. Final exam counts as 40% and assignments (e.g. written ones and online quizzes) count as 60%. The course in taught in weekly sessions on-line

The course is an introduction to design and craft education: Design and woodwork, Textiles and design and Health promotion and home economics. Project ideas are adapted to different subjects of the course. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills aspects from idea to completion in all work components of the course. Students work on subjects that are suitable for school work and record work processes in photographs, drawings and in text form.

The aim is to prepare student teachers for field studies in design and crafts subjects with an emphasis on pedagogical aspects. In project selection, students take into account the basic elements of education and the learning standards of a subject in the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. In the processing of projects, emphasis is placed on creative and professional work methods. Students receive training in the preparation of syllabi, become acquainted with various teaching methods and compare different assessment methods in design and crafts subjects. Students keep a guidebook and present their experiences from the field.

The course will cover selected topics from classical geometry, analytical geometry and algebra. Software used in teaching and learning algebra and geometry will be introduced.

Basic topics from Euclidean geometry will be covered; concepts, axioms and postulates on parallel lines, polygons and circles. Simple constructions with circle and ruler. Selected topics from analytical geometry e.g. the equation of a circle, solutions of linear equations and equation systems, second degree equations, absolute value equations and inequalities.

The software GeoGebra will be used for visualization, making conjectures, constructions and drawings.

The topics of study are the aims of mathematics teaching in compulsory school, mathematical competence and the organisation of mathematics teaching in compulsory school. The national curriculum and textbooks are examined and analyzed. Special consideration is given to how students acquire competence to communicate and apply mathematics. Attention is directed to the importance of continuity in learning where main ideas become clearer and richer with time. Students learn to plan for mathematics lessons that take into account the needs of all students. Equity and students' access to mathematics education will be discussed. Students try out different ways of teaching and emphasis is placed on the use of diverse media and learning materials. Based on their experience in the field, students reflect on their teaching, their choice of teaching conten, the role of the teacher and communication with students and communication between students. Emphasis is placed on diverse learning environments and teaching methods based on research into mathematics learning and teaching.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The course is designed to expose students to perspectives on curriculum development and assessment in compulsory education. The following educational process is emphasized:

Students discuss and learn about basic concepts and issues related to assessment and curriculum development in compulsory education. Issues and ideologies reflected in official curricula, law, directives, and other policy briefings are discussed both theoretically and in praxis. Special focus is laid on the role of teachers in curriculum development and assessment, and alternatively their professional role in developing learning programs for groups of pupils as well as individual pupils with special needs. Nature, purpose, and strategies regarding assessment and curriculum are addressed (cf. formative assessment, summative assessment, writing test items and other test instruments, and marking and reporting). Students discuss and learn about controversial issues and different ideological currents concerning central questions about the purpose and aims of compulsory education. Key questions discussed are: What should be the purpose of the school, what should be taught and assessed in compulsory schools, how and why? What counts as legitimate knowledge and competence, and how should we administer and organize compulsory education.

The working process of the course consists of lectures, field-related assignments, and critical discussion through seminars and group assignments

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

The course will aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes that take place from birth through adolescence.

Content:
The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes during different phases of childhood and adolescence, and theories that describe and explain those changes. Theories of cognitive development, emotional and social development, the development of self, and moral development will be discussed. The approaches of behaviourism and ecological theory will also be highlighted. The origins and nature of individual differences, continuity and discontinuity of development, as well as plasticity of development will be discussed. The interaction between development and learning, motivation, parenting practices, culture, and different social environments will be addressed. A strong emphasis will be placed on the importance of understanding child development when working with children in applied settings.

Procedure:
The course will consist of lectures and recitations. Students' will have a chance to discuss the topics of the course and deepen their understanding of the age group they plan to focus on during their studies and work.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

The B.Ed. thesis in teachingis a 10 ECTS credit written thesis completed under supervision of a faculty member.

The course focuses on the basics of ecology, i.e. ecosystems, energy flow, nutrients cycling, communities of organisms, interaction between species, population dynamics and succession in ecosystems. The values of biodiversity for live on earth and sustainability will be discussed. The main features of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed.

Human impact on nature and the environment will be discussed, involving the main global and local environmental problems. We will explore good teaching practices in environmentaleducation in connection to ecology and pupils action competence towards sustainable development.

In the course students learn about structure and function of cells, cell division, tissues, organs and their function. Health education, and protection, responsibility and understanding of own body will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on diversity in teaching and learning approaches and methods about these issues.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about motion, forces, and energy to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as simple machines, motion, velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, lows of motion, the gravitational forces, frictional forces, adding forces, work, power, various energy forms such as kinetic energy, gravitational energy, elastic energy, transformation of energy from one form to another, conservation of energy, useable energy, energy in nature, and energy in society. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about electricity and magnetism to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as electricity, charges, electrical forces, electric currents, magnets, magnetic force, interaction of electricity and magnetism, and production and utilization of electricity. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Structure and function of DNA. Chromosomes, cell devision, Mendel´s law, protein synthesis, genetic pattern, genotype, phenotype. Genetic engenering.

Origin of life, evolutionary forces (natural selection, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutations), major events in the history of life, extinctions, evolution of humans. Diversity of life. Human evolution.  

The teaching of evolution  and genetics in comprehensive schools. Curriculum, teaching material, the internet as a tool etc.
Methods: lectures by teachers and students, discussions.

The main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. The course is divided into three parts; preparation of teaching practice, fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience.   Research on teaching and learning science will be explored.  Emphasis will be on methods that promote literacy of science texts. 

The coursework will include: Lectures, discussions, teaching workshops, independent projects, group assignments and guidance.  

One of the main objective of the course is to enhance student’s ability to teach science. Fieldwork in compulsory schools and reflection on the teaching experience is a part of the course.

The course is designed to expose students with two main perspectives on educational research. On the one hand methodology related to data collection and data analysis, on the other hand reading and discussing educational research conducted by others. In all sections of the course an emphasis is placed on knowing and understanding concepts and ideas from educational research; students read about them, discuss and apply them in tasks connected to quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. They also discuss and apply concepts related to action research.

The course comprises lectures, discourse, student presentations and field-related assignments.

The purpose of this course is give an overview of the Earth as a planet in our solar system with emphasis on gravity, the energy budget and seasons, phases of the moon and children's ideas about these phenomena and also describe the physical geography of the Earth, particularly geomorphology and geological history, weather and climatic zones and their relation to the vegetation belts, tides, ocean currents and the main fishing grounds. Man's impact on the physical environments will be discussed with respect to concepts such as pollution and greenhouse effect. This course is heavily focused on teaching about the Earth in Icelandic compulsory schools.

Teaching is based on weekly classes (not all weeks of the term) and field trips (in the Capital area). Each student must attent at least five of these trips and do a short summary on each. Further information about assignments and exams are introduced in the course teaching plan.

Research in science education both internationally and in Iceland will be discusses. Research on practical work, place-based education and the attitudes and interest in science will be considered. The use of ICT and research and development in this field will be discussed.
A special focus will be research on what is involved when students learn science. Attention will be paid to the relationship between science and sustainability on the one hand and on the other what teaching methods seem to be affected. The discussion will be related to the national curriculum.

Learning approaches include reading papers on research and development, creating concise abstracts about them nad discussing them on the internet and in class. Students must be able to collect information from a range of sources, present their ideads and assignments and take an active part in discussion. Students will become familiar with conferences and journal articles in the field, for example, but looking at the home pages of such conferences in order to identify important approaches in this field

It is expected that the participants gain a good understanding of different research methods used in science education research and develop a critical attitude toward such endeavour. Participants will be expected to make inquiries into their own practice as teachers and inquire into pupils' ideas about natural phenomena or to acquaint themselves with databases from national or international projects or to conduct small scale qualitative research into experience of children and/or teachers in science education.

The main objective of this introductory course is to educate students about waves, sound and light to prepare them for teaching these subjects in Icelandic compulsory school. Participants are expected to develop a thorough scientific understanding of these issues and scientific concepts related to them such as oscillations, waves on a string and on water, wave properties, sound production, propagation and interaction with matter, light production, propagation and interaction with matter. Besides they will be taught how to illustrate these concepts in practice by carrying out simple experiments. Emphasis will also be paid to the ideas young people have about these concepts and phenomena and how they may be helped to develop those ideas toward scientific understanding. Approaching these issues the participants will be encouraged to inquire into their own understandings of these phenomena and concepts and develop those understandings and their practical teaching competences.

Students will work with learning outcomes in earth sciences of age group of their choice. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities, both indoor and outdoor, organising field trips, relating these to learning outcomes of the curriculua and how to engage students to influence their own learning in earth sciences. Focus is on research about children´s ideas concerning formation and erosion of land.

Students will study diverse teaching material with special emphasis on using information technology. The role of teachers in earth science education will be explored together with opportunities for integration with other subjects.

Working methods include students´ choice of topics, micro-teaching and exercises in organising and processing assessment.

Lectures and discussions: Research on understanding of key biology concepts, on the value of practicals in biology teaching, on the value and features of outdoor teaching and learning and on different teaching methods.  Assessment of students in biology.

Practical work: use of equipments in biology teaching, different teaching methods in the labaratory, in class and outdoors.