Janice Bland

Janice Bland is a Professor of English Education at Nord University, Norway, focusing on preparing student teachers for English language and literature education in primary and secondary schools. Her work emphasizes creativity, critical literacy, and the use of children’s literature (from picturebooks to young adult fiction) in fostering intercultural understanding and global competence. She specializes in integrating creative writing, visual literacy, and drama into language pedagogy.

Research interests include leveraging literature to address contemporary global issues, intercultural learning, and the role of creativity in ELT. She is editor-in-chief of the Children’s Literature in English Language Education journal and authored Children’s Literature and Learner Empowerment (2013), among other publications.

Her scholarly work often critiques traditional pedagogical approaches, advocating for deep, context-rich learning through literature. Articles emphasize themes like interculturality, critical literacy, and the transformative potential of creative writing in education. She has edited volumes addressing young learners and challenging reading materials for 8–18-year-olds.

Bland’s contributions span teacher education methodologies, curriculum design, and the application of drama and visual media in language classrooms. Her research underscores the importance of empowering students through literature that engages with diverse perspectives and contemporary societal challenges.