Irmelin Kjelaas

Irmelin Kjelaas is an Associate Professor in Norwegian Didactics at NTNU's Department of Teacher Education within the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences. She specializes in applied linguistics, multilingualism, and second language learning, particularly in educational contexts. Her work focuses on language policies, refugee education, and inclusive pedagogical practices for immigrant populations.

**Education:**

• PhD in Applied Linguistics from NTNU (2009), focusing on conversations between unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and social workers.

Research Interests: Her key areas include:

• Multilingualism in vocational and general education
• Refugee youth integration and language barriers
• Critical discourse analysis of educational policies
• Teacher training for linguistic diversity
• Language ideologies in Norwegian schools

Recent Article Trends:** Her publications emphasize:

• Language policy challenges in vocational education (2025)
• Integration barriers for newly arrived students (2023-2024)
• Teacher narratives on refugee inclusion (2022-2023)
• Bilingualism in Norwegian curriculum design (2019-2020)

Roles & Networks:**

• Co-leads the 'Second Language Didactics Network' with national education stakeholders
• Member of LiVE (Multilingualism in Vocational Education) and Nordic FLIN networks
• Board member of cultural platform Anna & Azra

Advising & Grants:**

• Main supervisor of PhD candidate Unni Soltun Andreassen (2019–2023)
• Involved in EU-funded projects like INCLUSCHOOL and FAMREUN
• Collaborates with Universities of Oslo, Exeter, and VIA University College

Labs/Teams:**

• Co-leads NTNU's 'Linguistic Diversity in School and Society' research group
• Develops curricula for vocational teachers via NTNU's Continuing Education programs