The University Board at UiA made this decision based on a proposal from an evaluation committee. Through an application process, employees must meet four main criteria to attain the status of a merited lecturer:
- A focus on student learning
- Clear development over time
- A research-based approach
- A collegial attitude and a focus on experience sharing
“I am truly proud to be able to call myself a merited lecturer. Learning and teaching are my research fields and also my passion. This title means a lot to me because I receive recognition for bridging theory and my own practice,” says Linda Gurvin Opheim.
She is an associate professor in mathematics education with 15 years of experience in research and teaching. As an educator, she has been a driving force behind integrating technology into teaching and has developed digital learning resources. She has led the network for mathematics in teacher education within MatRIC, UiA’s National Centre for Excellence in Education (SFU). She also serves as the vice-dean for education at the faculty.
Student learning
The committee's conclusion underscores Gurvin Opheim's strong commitment to student learning. “Her teaching practice is clearly characterised by a keen focus on students, and she strives to create a supportive learning environment.”
The committee also notes: “Her strongest trait is linked to her collegial attitude and willingness to share experiences, with extensive collaboration both nationally and internationally, as well as initiatives for several development projects.”
"Great to be recognised alongside Opheim"
Professor Thomas Gjesteland has a solid academic background, with a PhD in space physics from the University of Bergen in 2012. He joined UiA in 2015 and is a professor in the Department of Engineering Sciences. He led MatRIC through its period as an SFU, a Centre for Excellence in Education, in 2023. He has held several positions related to education quality, including as a board member of the Norwegian Mathematics Council.
“I enjoy working with students, teaching, and learning environments, and it means a lot to me to receive recognition for this work. I find it especially great to be recognised alongside Linda Opheim. We’ve both been involved in MatRIC, and I believe this shows MatRIC has upheld a strong culture of educational quality,” says Gjesteland.
The committee notes in its conclusion that “Gjesteland has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting student-active learning through innovative teaching and assessment methods.” Additionally, “Gjesteland has shown a research-based approach to teaching, where he has reflected on his practice in light of pedagogical theory and shared his experiences through publications and presentations.”
Developing teaching
“It is a great recognition to receive the status of merited lecturers, and we congratulate Gurvin Opheim and Gjesteland on this award. Both have shown that they have systematically and over time worked to develop their teaching, documenting their activities, and making their experiences available to others. We look forward to seeing how their work continues to develop,” says Hilde Inntjore, Vice-Rector for Education at UiA.
Linda Gurvin Opheim and Thomas Gjesteland are the fifth and sixth individuals in UiA’s merit award scheme for lecturers. Previously, Professor Morten Brekke, Professor John Arngrim Hunnes, Associate Professor Torunn Skåltveit Olsen and Professor Andreas Prinz have achieved this recognition.
UiA’s merit award scheme for teaching is currently under evaluation.