NLA Highlights Research on Great Learning Potential

The research group Children with great and extraordinary learning potential at NLA University College is strengthening its position as a key player in the field – both nationally and internationally.

At two recognized international conferences – ECHA (European Council for High Ability) and igMCG (International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness) – the research group from NLA University College made a strong impression. The conferences were held at Karlstad University in Sweden earlier this year.

In total, the research group contributed nine scientific presentations, several in interdisciplinary collaboration between various researchers and academic communities. All contributions represented NLA, together with colleagues from the Talent Center at VilVite and the University of Oslo. Thematically, the contributions ranged from mathematical creativity in early school age to facilitating students with great learning potential in higher education.

– It was inspiring to meet both national and international colleagues who had noticed our commitment, says Gila Hammer Furnes, who is the leader of the research group.

Contributions from the research group - presented at the ECHA and igMCG conferences

1. Interdisciplinary collaboration for gifted learners: A case study of partnership dynamics in educational adaptation in Norway
   Gila Hammer Furnes, Gunnvi Sæle Jokstad

2. United for gifted learners: Crafting tailored education through partnership in Norway
   Gila Hammer Furnes, Gunnvi Sæle Jokstad

3. Comparison of tasks in national mathematical competitions in Norway and Serbia
   Darko Kocev

4. High ability students and their experiences with a university level mathematics course
   Johannes Kleppe, Inger Christin Borge, Ella Idsøe

5. Argumentation and rich tasks in mathematics: Engaging and identifying potentially gifted 1st-grade students in a “powerful classroom”
   Karin Landschulze, Gila Hammer Furnes

6. Gifted education in early childhood: Rethinking inclusion through exploring policy on specialised provisions in Norway
   Gila Hammer Furnes, Kari Kvandal

7. Bridging the gap: Exploring a talent centre in Norway as an adaptation means for fostering thriving gifted students
   Kai Håkon Sunde, Karin Landschulze, Gila Hammer Furnes

8. Accelerated, more immersive, and more complex knowledge: Student feedback guiding tailored science education at a talent centre in Norway
   Alette Aasvold Rolland, Gila Hammer Furnes

9. Professional development concerning in-depth learning and enrichment through adapted teaching – mathematics example
   Karin Landschulze

A growing field of research

Children with great learning potential is a subject area that has long been little illuminated in Norwegian educational research. With a targeted effort and interdisciplinary approach, NLA University College has taken a leading role in building knowledge and practice around adapted education for these students.

The research group is inter-institutional and works with primary school, kindergarten and higher education – often in close collaboration with Talent Centers and other national actors.

– Our goal is not only to elevate research, but also to influence practical pedagogical work, policy making and teacher education, says Furnes.