Elena Tkachenko

Elena Tkachenko is a Lecturer at Oslo Metropolitan University, affiliated with the Faculty of Teacher Education and International Studies and the Department of Primary and Vocational Teacher Education, where she serves as Study Leader for Area 3. Based at Pilestredet 42, 0167 Oslo, she maintains active research and teaching responsibilities focused on language education.

Dr. Tkachenko holds a degree in Applied Linguistics from St. Petersburg State University, which forms the foundation of her expertise in language acquisition and multilingual education. Her academic journey has centered on practical applications of linguistic theory in educational settings, particularly within Norwegian contexts.

Her primary research interests include Norwegian as a second language, children's language development, and multilingualism, with special attention to translanguaging practices in early childhood education. Dr. Tkachenko conducts research on multilingual children, students, and staff, collaborating closely with practitioners to develop effective multilingual practices in education. Her work examines how linguistic diversity can be leveraged as a resource rather than a challenge in learning environments, particularly focusing on newly arrived immigrant populations including Ukrainian children in Norway.

Analysis of Dr. Tkachenko's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward understanding how educational institutions can better support multilingual development through teacher training, policy implementation, and classroom practices that validate students' full linguistic repertoires. Her work spans Nordic early childhood education settings, examining translanguaging strategies, language policy implementation, and the use of AI in second language learning, demonstrating practical applications of theoretical frameworks in real educational contexts.

Dr. Tkachenko actively contributes to research projects including the current pilot project on 'Second language students' use of AI and the use of AI in second language learning' and previously contributed to 'Increased quality in early literacy education in Ethiopia.' She regularly presents her findings at international conferences and participates in professional development seminars for educators.

She is a member of the research groups 'Beginner training' and 'Cultural diversity and multilingualism in a global perspective,' where she collaborates with colleagues on advancing understanding of inclusive educational environments. Her work with language helpers and minority language assistants demonstrates her commitment to practical, community-based approaches to language education.