Torulf Palm

Torulf Palm is a Professor of Educational Work specializing in formative assessment at the Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Umeå University. He serves as Director of the Umeå Mathematics Education Research Centre (UMERC) and holds a docent research qualification. His work bridges research and practice, focusing on how formative assessment practices enhance student motivation and learning outcomes in mathematics education. Palm leads research groups investigating mechanisms linking formative assessment to achievement, with projects funded through extensive grants.

His research interests include motivational theory, teacher professional development, and diagnostic frameworks for reasoning difficulties. Collaborations involve schools, municipalities, and international partners (e.g., European Society for Research in Mathematics Education). Recent projects emphasize understanding psychological need satisfaction, feedback utilization, and adaptive professional development strategies to address implementation challenges.

Publications highlight formative assessment’s impact on behavioral engagement, self-regulated learning, and teacher practice changes. Over 30 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers since 2007 reflect sustained contributions to mathematics education research. Notable grants include a 2024–2028 project examining formative assessment mechanisms and a 2020–2023 study on motivational feedback practices.

• Affiliations: Umeå Mathematics Education Research Centre (Director), Learning by Imitative and Creative Reasoning group
• Key Projects: Combatting achievement gaps via formative assessment (2024–2028), LICR framework development (ongoing since 2008)