Introduction to Norwegian Kindergartens and Schools

The course provides knowledge about Norwegian kindergartens and schools, their values, and frameworks for pedagogical work and cooperation.

It gives you opportunities to reflect on how you can use your previous experiences and knowledge in the Norwegian educational context.

The language of instruction will be Norwegian with support in Ukrainian, English, and possibly other relevant languages. The course is a national offering, and arrangements will be made to facilitate participation from across the country.

Admission requirements 

Documented pedagogical education within early childhood education or school.

Application deadline

31 January.

The course is suitable for those who have pedagogical education within early childhood education or school from abroad, but who wish to gain a better understanding of pedagogical work in Norwegian kindergartens and schools.

The course does not guarantee employment or provide academic credits from higher education, but it can be a good starting point for further development of personal competence in a new context.

You apply by filling out the online form:

• Online form in English (nettskjema.no)
• Online form in Ukrainian (nettskjema.no)
• Online form in Norwegian bokmål (nettskjema.no)
• Online form in Norwegian nynorsk (nettskjema.no)

Module 1: Introduction to the Norwegian early childhood education and school system 

• Professional ethics and professional understanding 
• Values of kindergartens and schools 
• Interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Cultural diversity 

For those with previous education within early childhood education, there will be two additional modules.

Module 2 Early Childhood Education: Organization of kindergartens 

• Kindergarten as an organization
• The Nordic kindergarten model 
• The content, organization, and values of Norwegian kindergartens 

Module 3 Kindergarten: Pedagogical work in kindergartens 

• Pedagogical work in kindergartens focusing on play, care, learning, and formation 
• The role of adults 
• Social relationships and communication with children, parents, and staff
• Inclusive practices 

For those with previous education within school, there will also be two additional modules.

Module 2 School: Organization of schools 

• Content and organization of schools 
• Relevant laws and regulations 

Module 3 School: Pedagogical work in schools 

• The role of teachers and students 
• Classroom management and principles of learning, development, and formation 
• Social relationships and communication with students and parents
• Inclusive learning environments

The teaching will be conducted both digitally and through in-person sessions, and will consist of:

• Digital learning resources that participants can complete at their own pace. This includes instructional videos, texts, articles, reflection tasks, and more.
• Weekly digital sessions (1.5 hours) for reflection together with teachers and other course participants. 
• Two day-long sessions on campus.
• Access to all digital learning resources until June 2024. 

Course Requirements 

An interview with a teacher in a school, leader of SFO/AKS (school-age childcare) or a pedagogical leader in a kindergarten about their pedagogical work. Based on the interview, you must develop a reflection note that refers to the content of the course.

The course is free of charge, and the travel expenses for the two campus sessions are covered by OsloMet.

After completing the course, participants will receive a course certificate. To receive the certificate, attendance is required at both the sessions on campus and the digital sessions, and the course requirements must be met and approved.