Kjersti Elisabeth Lien

Kjersti Elisabeth Lien is an Associate Professor at Østfold University College, Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages, Department of Pedagogy, ICT and Learning. She has been employed at the institution since 2002, progressing from Lecturer to her current position since 2019. She holds a doctorate from Karlstad University (2009) and teaches pedagogy on the master's degree in primary school teacher education (grades 1-7 and 5-10), serving as course leader for PED 402 School in a Pluralistic Society and teaching the continuing education course Guidance in Practice.

Her research interests focus on educational leadership with emphasis on pedagogical leadership, homework policy in schools, culturally sensitive pedagogy, and strength-based organizational development. She has developed expertise in homework-conscious and homework-free school models, working extensively through the DEKOMP initiative with schools on competence development. Her approach emphasizes process-oriented development where theoretical insight and practical experience merge to create meaningful changes.

Her publication trends show a strong focus on homework policy research, particularly examining the implementation of homework-free schools at municipal levels (such as in Moss municipality), mental health in educational settings, and social justice implications of educational policies. Her work bridges theory and practice through action research projects, with increasing attention to systemic approaches to school mental health and educational equity.

She is actively involved in practice partnerships, notably working with Moss municipality which implemented homework-free schools in 2022 (though reversed this policy after the 2023 election). Her research methodology emphasizes collaborative knowledge development with practice fields, focusing on how theories can be adapted to specific contexts to produce real results. She advocates for inclusive learning environments where all students feel seen and heard, believing schools should be protective factors for children and young people.

Her professional activities include membership on the Local Expert Council on Social Inequality in Health at Østfold University College, where she contributes her educational expertise to broader health equity discussions. She frequently engages with media and practitioners to disseminate research findings, particularly regarding homework policies and their impact on student well-being.