Lærerhåndbøker

Lærerhåndbøker are teaching handbooks or manuals that provide teachers with structured resources to plan, implement, and assess instruction. They are developed by education authorities, school districts, publishers, or professional organizations and are used across various subjects and grade levels.

A typical lærerhåndbok includes content that aligns with the local or national curriculum, such as learning objectives, core concepts, and progression across grades. It often offers suggested lesson plans or unit outlines, recommended teaching methods, differentiation strategies for diverse learners, and guidance on assessment, including formative tasks and rubrics. Additional sections may cover classroom management, safety and ethics, inclusion and safeguarding, and guidance on selecting and using learning materials and digital tools. Some handbooks also provide cross-curricular links, resources, and criteria for evaluating student work.

Format and use vary. Handbooks may be published in print, as digital documents, or embedded in online platforms. They are used for planning, delivering lessons, and reflecting on practice, and can serve as onboarding resources for new teachers or as reference for experienced staff. Updates are common to keep pace with curriculum changes, instructional innovations, and new assessment approaches.

In Norway, lærerhåndbøker are often linked to national curriculum frameworks such as Kunnskapsløftet and its subsequent iterations. They provide subject-specific guidance, typical tasks, and assessment criteria that align with prevailing standards, while allowing local adaptation to school context.

Critically, handbooks can support consistency and quality but may risk constraining teacher autonomy if used rigidly. Effective use emphasizes localization, professional judgment, and ongoing professional development.