Can you learn Norwegian in math and science class? Yes, you can!
From spring 2022, Kunnskap has been actively working on translating and further developing bilingual teaching materials in science, mathematics, Norwegian as a second language and English. With support from the Norwegian Directorate of Education, teaching materials in mathematics, science and English are translated and recorded with natural speech into Ukrainian and Russian. These learning materials are available free of charge to all Ukrainian students and their teachers.
Bilingual vocational training
"Bilingual subject education means that the student receives instruction in one or more subjects in both their mother tongue and Norwegian. Bilingual subject education should ensure academic progression while the students learn Norwegian" ( UDIR, 2022 ).
Teaching aids in mathematics, science and English gives Norwegian and Ukrainian students the opportunity to learn subjects in the same resource. Students choose whether they want to read subject texts or watch educational films in Norwegian, Ukrainian or Russian. Switching languages is done seamlessly and directly in the learning materials by clicking on the flag. Students can thus learn Norwegian with science and mathematics. They can switch languages at any time and learn words and subject concepts in Norwegian.
Inclusive teaching materials
Former science teacher and now science editor at Kunnskap, Camilla Njølstad Bildeng, says the teaching materials help students learn Norwegian faster while maintaining the same academic level as their fellow students. Ukrainian students are quickly included in the classroom and take part in the social community in the class. They learn subjects and language together with Norwegian students. This strengthens the students' integration process whether they attend introductory classes or regular classes. Although the language barrier may be great, the newly arrived students will be able to follow the subject education together with their fellow students.
"Students learn Norwegian by using teaching materials in mathematics and science"
Teacher in Rana municipality, Natalia Forsbakk, says that her Ukrainian students benefit greatly from Mathematics 5-7 Norwegian, Ukrainian and Russian and Syklus 5-7 Norwegian, Ukrainian and Russian . They can work independently and even get help from their parents with their homework. Forsbakk says that the students learn Norwegian by using the teaching materials. They can switch between languages and learn Norwegian words and expressions while receiving help from both their teacher and their Norwegian classmates.
Auditory and visual learning materials in three languages
The teaching aids consists of short subject texts, educational films, animations and hundreds of different interactive tasks. The translation is in line with advice from NAFO. From the refugee reception center in Trondheim, translators Olena Ivashkina, Alexandra Riabenko and Liza Banko have worked intensively on the translations so that Ukrainian students can receive good subject education in Norway. The teaching materials in mathematics and science are recorded in natural speech by Olena Ivashkina. The subject texts are short and concrete, with subsequent tasks that ensure understanding of the subject matter. Films, animations and tasks are very visual. This makes it easier to understand the content.
Real digital learning tools
Interactive tasks with immediate feedback allow students to learn as they go. The tasks are self-correcting and provide hints if they answer a task incorrectly. All the answers the student gives are stored and can be viewed by both teacher and student in the form of a detailed student report. The teacher has an overview of how the students work, what they achieve, and what they may find challenging. In addition, the teacher has an overview of the students' mastery regardless of language.
All schools have been given free access to teaching materials in mathematics, science and English for Ukrainian students through Feide .
