Although Marie Nilsberth, like many young people, was curious about a variety of things growing up, becoming teacher has always been at the top of her list. She still believes that teachers play an important role, and following a career as a teacher in years 4-6 and special educational needs coordinator, she now trains future teachers at Karlstad University. Recently, she was also appointed professor of educational work at the university.
Marie Nilsberth, originally from Kristinehamn, completed her teacher training in Karlstad back when the university was still a university college. She also has a postgraduate diploma in special educational needs.
"I have been working as a teacher in various capacities since graduating from upper secondary school, and to me, the teaching profession is about giving to others. During the first part of my career, I worked with children and adolescents. Now, I train future teachers at the undergraduate level, as well as experienced educators who are pursuing qualifications as special needs teachers. We have very exciting discussions around their professional experiences."
Marie Nilsberth’s research is focused in interaction and learning in various educational contexts, with a particular interest in the impact of digitalisation in schools, especially in relation to issues of equality and inclusion.
"I’m currently conducting research in several projects, where I focus on how written language practices are changing in line with new information technologies in schools and society. I’m interested in the school as a meeting place for diversity, it’s an important meeting place. A lot has changed in our school system over the years. It has become more individualised due to the introduction of the free school choice, and as a result, there is no longer a school for everyone. How can we meet the needs of everyone, which, after all, is a natural part of a democratic society? How can our schools be digitalised without excluding anyone? Many pupils have special needs that may not always be met. What happens between pupils and teachers in a classroom in relation to the changes that have taken place within the school system? That is the context I want to try to understand in my research."
Marie Nilsberth argues that it is important to generate knowledge about how schools operate in order to contribute to wise decisions at the political level, where the major decisions are made. This is especially true in the debate around digitalisation in schools, where, for example, AI is being discussed at all levels.
"There is a growing need for more educational research on how we should relate to new technologies and how they can be used wisely. I’m collaborating with other researchers in educational sciences, and some have also looked at the technical aspects of digitalisation. We could definitely do more of that, and I generally believe that it is very important to take an interdisciplinary approach since development is moving so fast."
Once again, Marie Nilsberth emphasises that the school is an important meeting place for children and young people in our digital society, which is heavily influenced by social media.
"Perhaps now more than ever, it is important that pupils are given equal opportunities to build a solid foundation, and it is very exciting to explore. We also need to look at the bigger picture, because school is not just about teaching knowledge. It is also about the classroom being a place where children and young people learn to interact with others, as well as being shaped as individuals. We usually use the English terms qualification, socialisation and subjectification to describe this. In other words, what should we teach, based on the way society is changing? This is an important question for schools and something that I want to continue investigating through my research."
You can read more about Marie Nilsberth’s research in her research profile.
Marie Nilsberth will be inaugurated as professor at Karlstad University during the Academic Celebration 2025, which is held 17 October.
