Academic interests
The school as an arena to promote good quality of life for children and young people
In my research I am concerned with how hope, mastery, emotional strength and optimism (mental health) can be promoted in society. I am particularly concerned about how this can be done in schools, in an interdisciplinary collaboration between various actors and institutions and the local community.
Together with my colleague Espen Marius Foss, I lead a research project called Mastering and meaning at Frederik II secondary school in Fredrikstad. We test various forms of participation, strength-based school development, restorative practices, conflict management and other issues. The purpose of the project is to make the school health-promoting for both pupils and staff. In this context, there is a strong focus on in-depth learning, inclusion and well-being. The project is funded by the Østfold County Public Health Department and the Østfold University College. It started in 2017 and ends in the spring of 2021.
Schools with awareness of homework are important for good quality of life
Since 2012 I have researched why and how teachers practice homework in primary school. Students in teacher education, training schools and colleagues at the Departement of Education have also been engaged in the project.
School principals, teachers and parents need to have a conscious relationship to use of homework, in order not to make homework a threat to a good childhood. Dora Thorhallsdottir collected more than 24,500 signatures for homework free schools. In Switzerland, there will be a referendum if 25,000 signatures are collected. In Norway, the signatures have been placed in a drawer in the Ministry of Education with the comment "We cannot dictate teachers". I am therefore engaged in the public debate to raise awareness of the practice of homework. In my research, I am now dedicated to documenting the good work that is being done at «homework consious schools» around the country. On November 20, 2018, we established the first nationwide network for homework consious schools.
The «MOVE 6-19» project for good learning
Physical movement, proper food, good sleep, experience of meaning and belonging make pupils well-equipped to learn in school. MOVE («RØRE» in Norwegian) stands for the pupils to move, to stir in the pot, to be touched and to move in the local environment. The purpose of the project is to strengthen the initiative of schools and competence about health-promoting schools. In 2016, Østfold County Municipality received NOK 26 million from the Savings Bank Foundation for the project MOVE 6-19. I am engaged to research on this project.
Social inequality in health
Social inequality in health means that people who are low educated, have little money or work at the bottom of the hierarchy have shorter life expectancy and are systematically more prone to poor quality of life in all areas. This is a wicked problem. Interdisciplinary learning, discussion and dialogue are therefore crucial to getting closer to good solutions. Østfoldhelsa has established a local social council on social inequalities in health, which I lead. The council meet four times a year and otherwise write chronicles to stimulate dialogue around the theme.
Courses taught
I teach courses in pedagogy and pupil-related skills and guidance at the Faculty of Education
Background
I am an organizational educator with pedagogy and work science.
Education:
- PhD in Work Science (Organization and Management), Karlstad University, 2009
- Master's degree in Pedagogy, University of Oslo, 2001
Appointments
- Head of the Local Council for Social Inequality in Health at Østfold University College.
- Board member of the Hvaler Work Center, since 2016.
Positions held
- Associate professor in pedagogy, at Faculty of Education, Østfold University College, since 2019
- Associate professor in coordination of health and welfare services, at Faculty of Health and Welfare, Østfold University College, 2016-2019
- Associate professor in pedagogy, at Faculty of Education, Østfold University College, 2010-2016
- Self-employed (consultancy and lectures), 2008 - 2010
- Assistant professor and Phd Candidat, at Faculty of Business, Languages, and Social Sciences, Østfold University College, 2002-2008