Psychology of Development and Learning (KME301G)

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes that occur from birth through adolescence.

Content:
The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes across different phases of childhood and adolescence, as well as theories that describe and explain them. Theories of cognitive, emotional, and social development, self-development, and moral development will be discussed. The approaches of behaviourism and ecological theory will also be highlighted. The origins and nature of individual differences, the continuity and discontinuity of development, and the 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 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 course topics and deepen their understanding of the age group they plan to focus on during their studies and work.

Introduction to Learning and Instruction (KME102G)

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.

Icelandic in the classroom I (ÍET103G)

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.

Learning and Teaching Mathematics (SNU101G)

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.

Pedagogy of Compulsory School (KME206G)

The course aims to help student teachers 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 characterises 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 teacher team teaching will be discussed, as will the relationship between homes and schools and parents' participation 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 their experience.

Literacy and literacy learning (KME204G)

The central objective of this course is to provide students with an insight into the development of language and literacy during the primary school years and introduce them to leading practices in the instruction of reading and writing during primary school.

The main topics include the linguistic prerequisites for literacy, problems in second-language learning, current theories of the development of reading, writing, and reading comprehension, and reading difficulties and effective ways to promote literacy skills. Along with theoretical considerations, we will examine teaching materials and methods used in Icelandic schools.

At the end of the course, students are expected to have theoretical and practical knowledge to motivate and support their future students in reading and writing throughout their school years.

Mathematics in Teacher Education (SNU204G)

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.

Icelandic in the classroom II (ÍET204G)