Jorryt van Bommel, Professor of Mathematics Education
Jorryt van Bommel was born and raised in the Netherlands, where she also graduated as a teacher in mathematics in 1997. After moving to Sweden in 1999, she began work as a teacher educator at Karlstad University in the autumn of 2000, and later started her PhD studies in 2005.
“My research revolves around mathematics education, for example, how the subject is introduced to children when they start school. The start shapes the way they view the subject as well as how they view themselves as a mathematics pupil. To study this, my colleagues and I work together with teachers in preschool classes and explore how six-year-olds manage problem-solving and problem statements. By offering mathematics education that challenges the pupils, encourages critical thinking and invites dialogue, pupils can view mathematics as more than just a set of rules and procedures to follow, while being allowed to explore their own understanding. In addition to this, I’m involved in other projects where we, for example, investigate embodied learning in mathematics and how teachers use social media to teach mathematics.”
The findings from Jorryt van Bommel’s research on mathematics teaching at the start of school and embodied learning help guide teachers and student teachers in their teaching practice.
“We have written several texts and textbooks that are used in teacher education programmes and study groups in schools. Our research into teachers’ use of social media has provided insight into how educational videos on social media platforms are being used in schools. This is a relatively new phenomenon in the teaching profession that we still know little about and which needs to be described. I appreciate the opportunities that practice-based research offers and would welcome large-scale studies where more teachers and researchers are involved in designing and carrying out jointly created activities.”
“In the context of research, trust is essential for collaboration, transparency and the courage to question what we think we know. Trust is also important in relation to teaching and learning. It is about pupils daring to think out loud, make mistakes and explore the world of mathematics without fear.”
Jorryt van Bommel’s move to Sweden made her discover new aspects of herself, and she developed a love for the outdoors. In the winter, she enjoys ice skating, and in the summer, she likes to go paddleboarding. Ice swimming, relaxing in a hammock, hiking in the mountains and foraging for mushrooms and berries are other regular activities on her agenda.