Janice Bland

Janice Bland is a Professor of English Education at Nord University, Norway, specializing in teacher development and children’s literature integration in language education. She previously held positions at German universities including Münster and Vechta, completing her doctorate at Jena University (2012). Her work focuses on creativity in ELT, intercultural learning, and the use of literature from picturebooks to young adult fiction. She coordinates in-service teacher training programs and leads the Nord Research Group for Children’s Literature in ELT.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in English Education from the University of Jena. She has authored/co-edited influential books like Children’s Literature and Learner Empowerment (2013), Teaching English to Young Learners (2015), and contributed to the Routledge Handbook of Teaching English to Young Learners (2018). She co-edits the Children’s Literature in English Language Education (CLELEjournal), fostering dialogue between ELT and children’s literature research.

Research Interests

• Creativity and drama-based methodologies
• Intercultural and critical literacy
• Picturebooks and global issues education
• Teacher education program design

Her publications emphasize 'deep reading' practices and the transformative potential of literature in fostering intercultural competence. She has given plenaries in 12 countries and collaborates internationally through AILA Research Networks (ELL-ReN, LiLLT-ReN).

Awards

While no specific prizes are listed, her editorial work and book contributions signify peer recognition in ELT literature research.

Grants & Advising

• Develops teacher training curricula for primary/secondary educators
• Leads Nord University’s children’s literature research group

Labs/Teams

Coordinates the Nord Research Group for Children’s Literature in ELT, focusing on pedagogical applications of literature in language learning.