Undervisningsblock

Undervisningsblock is a planning approach used in some Nordic education systems to organize instruction into coherent blocks that span multiple lessons or weeks, rather than into isolated daily subjects. Each block centers on a central theme or topic and is designed to integrate learning across subjects, enabling project work, inquiry, and collaborative activities. A block is typically defined by an intended set of learning goals aligned with the curriculum, a sequence of activities, required resources, and an assessment plan.

Block length varies, from a few days to several weeks, depending on school policies, subject area, and student needs. Teachers collaborate in designing the block, mapping how different subjects contribute to the theme and how activities build on prior knowledge. Instruction within a block emphasizes active engagement, differentiation, and opportunities for students to apply knowledge in authentic tasks. Assessment is often ongoing and formative during the block, with a final product, presentation, or performance used for summative evaluation.

Benefits commonly associated with undervisningsblock include increased coherence and relevance of learning, the development of cross-curricular competencies such as collaboration and problem-solving, and the ability to pursue in-depth investigations. Challenges can include complex timetable planning, ensuring all curriculum requirements are met, and managing workload for teachers who coordinate multiple subjects.

Across countries and schools, the term undervisningsblock may be used alongside related concepts such as tema blocks, project blocks, or theme-based instruction. The exact structure, duration, and assessment methods vary, but the core idea is to organize instruction around integrated, thematically anchored blocks rather than solitary, subject-specific lessons.