Position as PhD Research Fellow in School Teaching and Learning of Computing available at Department of Informatics, the research group for Computing Education (ITU).
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date as soon as possible.
The research fellowship is a full-time position with a fixed-term period of three (3) years. Candidates who can and want to contribute to teaching and supervision at the department may be offered an additional year of teaching-related compulsory duties in the early stages of the contract period. In this case, the appointment period will be extended to a total of four years, where compulsory duties will be spread out over the full contract period, averaging 25% per year.
Job description
Investigating trends in school teaching and learning of computing: How is the new computing curriculum influencing pupils’ attitudes towards and understanding of computing?
The subject renewal (“Fagfornyelsen”) in Norwegian schools has led to basic programming being included in the curricula in, among other things, maths and science. At the same time, the curriculum for information technology as a programme subject in upper secondary school has been revised and given a content closer to informatics at university level and with more focus on programming. There is a great need for research-based knowledge to help teachers, schools administrators and policy makers make the most of the new curricula.
The current position is related to the ITU group’s activities within teaching and learning of programming in schools. Current research topics in the group include transitions between programming languages (e.g. from Scratch in primary school to Python in secondary school), similarities and differences between teaching and learning programming as a subject in itself versus as part of other subjects, as well as what influences recruitment from upper secondary school and the degree of completion of new computer science students.
The overall research theme for this position is how well the new school curriculum is working, as a preparation for further study in computer science, and as a preparation for application of computing/programming in other subject areas at school and in the workplace.
There are a number of possible aspects that could be considered as part of the research project. Not all need to be undertaken, and the person hired can choose between them, in order to come up with a coherent programme of research suitable for a PhD. In particular, the following aspects include both teacher pedagogy and pupil outcomes, and preparation for both further CS study and application of CS knowledge and skills in other fields. Focus could be placed on any, or all, of these areas:
1. (Literature survey and analysis)
What do the international CS and education communities assert are the perceived benefits of computing education at school, both as preparation for further CS study, and for application in other fields? What is an appropriate philosophy of teaching and learning for a school computing teacher? How does this philosophy recognise inclusion issues for CS, particularly in relation to gender? In short, considering both CS and broader general education, what should teachers be trying to achieve?
2. (Classroom observation, teacher and pupil interviews)
How are programming and computing concepts being introduced and learned in classrooms in maths, science, and information technology? What pedagogical techniques are being used? What skills and knowledge can the learners ultimately evidence?
3. (Analysis, combining (1) and (2))
In what ways are or aren’t the observed pedagogical approaches and learning outcomes consistent with the development of a sound foundation for further study of computing and/or for application of programming/computing skills in other areas of study? Is introduction to programming and computing via maths and science classes, and further study via CS-specific classes, appropriate and effective? In short, how useful is the education being received by learners?
4. (Intervention, study – depend somewhat on the analysis in (3) resulting in evidence of learning issues)
How can curricular content and pedagogical approaches be packaged in an accessible and actionable way for both non-specialist and specialist CS teachers? How can an appropriate and effective CS teaching philosophy be transmitted to teachers? How does this influence learning outcomes and learner choices?
The study topics above can build on work already undertaken in the ITU group exploring the transition between upper secondary school and computer science studies based on analysis of data collected from, among other things, surveys of the new students, linked to background information and completion figures. We have already collected data on choice of subjects, specialization and grades from upper secondary school and a number of data on study quality, dropout, etc. over many years through student surveys. This data can be used to propose adapted teaching and study programs for different student groups.
Within these angles, there are many possibilities, and the person hired will have a great influence on the exact design of the project. Specifying the details of the project will thus be an important part of the position in the first month of the em-ployment period.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
Qualification requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in informatics, mathematics, natural scienc-es, pedagogy or teacher education
- 60 ECTS in informatics. Particularly relevant background, professional and/or teaching practice may, after a closer assessment, compensate in whole or in part for missing credits in informatics
- The candidate should be able to communicate in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, as Norwegian is the working language for teachers and pupils in Norway. English-speaking candidates who can demonstrate an especially relevant background and interest in the project, will also be considered for the position.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience from Norwegian schools
- Experience from teaching programming/informatics
Personal motivation and suitability for the position and the project will be given great weight in the assessment of the applicants.
Grade requirements: The norm is as follows:
- the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:
Personal skills
The candidate should have good communication skills and be able to work independently.
We offer
- Salary NOK 501 200– 544 400 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Career development programmes, professional courses and workshops
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
How to apply
The application must include:
- Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency
- List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).
Applicants will be called in for an interview.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Associate Professor Ragnhild Kobro Runde, phone: +47 9443 6221, e-mail: ragnhild.runde@ifi.uio.no or Professor Dag Sjøberg, phone: +47 9260 4578, e-mail: dagsj@ifi.uio.no
For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7500 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Informatics (IFI) is one of nine departments belonging to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. IFI is Norway’s largest university department for general education and research in Computer Science and related topics.
The Department has more than 1800 students on bachelor level, 600 master students, and over 240 PhDs and postdocs. The overall staff of the Department is close to 370 employees, about 280 of these in full time positions. The full time tenured academic staff is 75, mostly Full/Associate Professors..