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 written support in Ukrainian or English.

The course is a national offering, and arrangements will be made to facilitate participation from across the country.

Admission requirements 

• Completed and documented higher pedagogical education from abroad. The documentation must be either in Norwegian, Ukrainian or English. The education does not need to be approved in Norway.
• We recommend at least language level A2, since the language of instruction is Norwegian. Read about the language levels on the website of the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (hkdir.no). 
• You must be able to attend at least 80 per cent of the teaching. There will be two in-person meetings in Oslo, and weekly digital meetings via Zoom. Read more under "Teaching and learning methods".

Application deadline

17. May.

At the previous admission, we experienced a high demand. We recommend applying early.

The course is suitable for those who have a higher pedagogical education in kindergartens or schools from abroad, and who want a better understanding of pedagogical work in Norwegian kindergartens and schools.

You can participate in the course even if you are working. The digital classes take place in the afternoons. The two physical gatherings are held on Saturdays.

The course does not provide a job guarantee or credits from higher education, but can be a good starting point for further development of one's own competence in a new context.

• Application form in Norwegian bokmål and Ukrainian (nettskjema.no)
• Application form in Norwegian nynorsk (nettskjema.no)

Module 1: Framework for school and kindergarten

• Introduction to laws and governing documents for kindergartens and schools.
• The kindergarten as an educational activity. Responsibilities and roles.
• The school system and school development in Norway. Responsibilities and roles.

Module 2: The value base for kindergartens and schools

• Diversity and mutual respect.
• Democracy, participation and an inclusive learning environment.
• Nature, health and life skills and sustainable development.

Module 3: Content and educational practices in kindergarten and school

• The purpose of the kindergarten. Care, play and learning 
• Professional practice and classroom management 
• Multilingualism and linguistic diversity in kindergartens and schools
• The safety net around every child and pupil: Interdisciplinary collaboration and transitions
• Differentiated instruction and pupils with special rights in school 
• Parental cooperation in kindergartens and schools.

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

• Weekly digital lectures from 16.30-18.30.
• Two mandatory physical gatherings in Oslo. One Saturday in August and one Saturday in November.
• Digital e-learning resources that participants complete on their own. This includes, among other things, educational films, texts, articles, reflection assignments and more. Participants must calculate time for self-study, approximately two hours per week.

Course Requirements 

• Interview with a teacher in a school, a leader of SFO/AKS or the pedagogical leader in the kindergarten about their pedagogical work. 
• Reflection note (750 words). On the basis of the interview, a reflection note is to be prepared that refers to the content of the course.
• Participants will receive supervision on both interview and reflection note.

The course is free of charge.

If you have to travel to participate in the two physical gatherings in Oslo, you will have to pay costs up until NOK 500. If travel and accommodation cost more than this, OsloMet can cover this.

After completing the course, participants will receive a course certificate. 
To receive a course certificate, the participant must attend a minimum of 9 out of 12 lectures (both physical and digital), and have gotten the coursework accepted.

OsloMet provides a further education for teachers with education from their home country which gives 120 credits. Read more about supplementary teacher training (in Norwegian).

OsloMet also offers an additional education in kindergarten pedagogy of 60 credits (in Norwegian).