I specialize in research related to language learning, assessment, and psychometrics. I am especially interested in vocabulary and reading comprehension for diverse learners. My background is in quantitative methods; particularly item response theory and factor analysis. I teach statistics and other educational science courses.
In past projects, I explored what makes academic vocabulary difficult for different learners. I examined how language skills, aspects of target words, and the type of assessment affect item difficulty. I have also evaluated novel comprehension tests and explored multicultural perspectives in metalinguistics.
I am driven to understand why language learning can be difficult. My goal is to improve and develop more reliable and unbiased assessment tools, especially related to vocabulary and language proficiency.
Current projects
I am working with the Better Equipped project to continue developing a listening comprehension test for Norwegian preschools. The test aims to identify children who would benefit from early language intervention. I am also studying technical vocabulary in core subjects (like Math and History) to see how vocabulary differs and impacts content learning.
On the horizon, I am looking at methods to select target words for intervention and assessment. I am also exploring how artificial intelligence tools (like ChatGPT) can make assessments more adaptable.
Research interests
- Vocabulary
- Assessment
- Multilingual Learners
- Lexical Characteristics
- Metalinguistics
Methodological interests
- Item Response Theory (especially Explanatory)
- Latent Factor Analysis
- Psychometrics
- Structural Equation Modeling
- Differential Item Functioning (and Equating)
Education
- 2023: Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Science; University of Oslo. Dissertation: Understanding Vocabulary: Making Sense of What We Measure, Who We Measure, and How We Measure. Includes the Basic University Pedagogical Competence
- 2017: Master of Science in Experimental Psychology; Missouri State University . Thesis: Language Learning and Metacognition: An Intervention to Improve Language Classrooms. Includes the Graduate Certificate in Statistics and Research Design
- 2015: Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Missouri State University
Previous courses taught
- PED 4011 – Research Methods and Statistics (Norwegian link). This is a master-level course on research methods in pedagogical psychology. This course was enhanced and digitized as a result of the Blended Active Learning of Statistics research project. Quantitative Seminar Leader from 2019 to 2021 and Quantitative Lecturer in 2022.
- PED 2104 – Interventions and Research-based Knowledge in Practice. This is a bachelor-level course on evaluation methodologies for educational interventions. Seminar Leader from 2019 to 2022 and Head of Course in 2022.
- PSY 200 – Psychological Statistical Methods at Missouri State University. This is a bachelor-level course with a comprehensive overview of statistics and its application in psychology. Sole instructor on record (Lecturer and Head of Course) from 2016 to 2017.
- EDU 4251 – Applied Research Methods Part I. This is a master-level course on both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used in education. Quantitative Lecturer in 2019.