Policy implementation as a strategy to improve schools and early childcare (DUH158)

Politicians as well as the public are engaged in development of the best of education and development in schools and childcares. The institutions are governed by politicians through laws, curriculums, framework plans and instructions. However, the changes wanted from the politicians, needs to be implemented by the heads and teachers in order to come through. Research has shown that the way from a political enactment to change in the classroom is a long and complicated road.

The purpose of this course is to focus on research-based knowledge on implementation in educational settings, included organizational factors affecting the implementation process.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

DUH158

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

This PhD course consists of four days combining lectures and seminars. The students will meet updated knowledge on implementation and implementation research. There will be seminars that include possibility to present and discuss own research on implementation.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Participants develop

  • an in-depth understanding of implementation theory and strategies
  • knowledge on international research on implementation in educational settings
  • awareness of how organizational contexts influence the implementation process

Skills:

By the end of the course participants will be able to

  • consider relevant contextual aspects that might promote or inhibit implementation in educational settings when planning a project
  • reflect on their role as researchers on implementation projects

Competencies:

Participants will

  • have a knowledge-based understanding of the complexities connected with implementation in educational settings, and of implementation as organizational learning.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Essay or paper presentation 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Either: A 4000-word essay, based on a chosen theme relevant to the subject of this course. The chosen theme has to be approved from the faculty in charge of the course beforehand. Or: A paper presentation in the seminar part of the course. The abstract and the manuscript of the presentation (about 2000 words) has to be handed in. The chosen theme has to be approved from the faculty in charge before the course.

Coursework requirements

4 days teaching/seminar
Active participation in lectures and seminars at the workshop. Self-study. Participation at least 80 %.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Neil Humphrey

Course teacher:

Ida Holth Mathiesen

Course coordinator:

Sigrun Karin Ertesvåg

Study Program Director:

Hein Berdinesen

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Policy implementation as a strategy to improve schools and early child care (DSP158_1) 5

Open for

Students enrolled in a doctoral program. If available places other faculty can participate.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto