Cecilie Hamnes Carlsen

Professor Cecilie Hamnes Carlsen holds a position at the Department of Language, Literature, Mathematics and Interpreting at Høgskulen i Vestland (HVL). She specializes in language testing and assessment, particularly focusing on migration and citizenship contexts. Currently leads major research projects including IMPECT (NFR-funded) and MetaLearn (CEFR-based educational initiatives). Serves as Co-chair of ALTE's LAMI group and Social Justice Discussion Group, advocating for ethical language assessment practices.

Research Interests: Explores the societal impact of language tests on marginalized groups, especially low-literate adult migrants. Investigates consequences of citizenship and labor market language requirements, emphasizing structural racism and equity. Specializes in designing fair assessments for vulnerable populations while critiquing misuse of language tests in policy.

Projects: Leads work packages in EU-funded DISCEFRN (CEFR evaluation) and Vestlandsverktøyet (language assessment tools for minority students). Co-develops metalinguistic awareness tests for Norwegian schools through MetaLearn. Recent publications address language policy ethics, test activism, and systemic inequities in assessment practices.

Teaching: Teaches courses on second language acquisition, critical language testing, and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Responsible for curriculum development in adult immigrant Norwegian education programs (UVN801, UVN802).

Contributions: Published widely in Language Policy, Language Assessment Quarterly, and other peer-reviewed journals. Authored Vurdering av språkferdigheter (2019). Engages in public discourse through podcasts (Refugee Law) and op-eds (Dagsavisen), advocating for socially just language policies.