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. Written support in English will be provided if needed.  

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

Admission requirements 

• Completed and documented pedagogical education from abroad (does not need to be approved in Norway). The documentation must be either in Norwegian, Ukrainian or English.
• 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 two in-person meetings in Oslo, and weekly digital meetings via Zoom. 

Application deadline

10 June.

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

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

Module 1: Introduction

• The role of nature in education.
• Principles of learning, development and education.

Module 2: Framework and content for school and kindergarten

• The kindergarten as an organisation. The kindergarten's value base. Professional ethics.
• The school as an organisation. The school's value base. Professional ethics.
• Pedagogical work in the kindergarten.
• Pedagogical work in school.

Module 3: Communication and relationships

• The role of the adult in the kindergarten. Inclusive learning environment.
• Professional practice. Class management. Inclusive learning environment.
• Social relations and communication with children and parents in kindergarten.
• Social relations and communication with pupils and parents at school. 

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 (2 hours) for reflection together with teachers and other course participants.  
• Two in-person day-long sessions in Oslo 7 September and 30 November.
• In addition, participants must calculate time for self-study, approximately two hours per week. 

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.

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