Jarise Kaskens

Dr. Jarise Kaskens serves as a Lecturer in Didactics of High Expectations at the Knowledge Center for Talent Development at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. She also holds positions as a researcher and senior lecturer at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, where she has worked for twelve years. Kaskens received her PhD from Radboud University in 2022 and specializes in mathematics education, teacher professional development, and inclusive teaching practices. Her work focuses on the practical application of research findings to improve educational outcomes, particularly through the concept of 'high expectations' in teaching.

Kaskens' research interests center around didactics of high expectations, mathematics education, arithmetic conversations, inclusive education, and teacher professional development. Her work examines how teacher expectations influence student performance and how specific teaching behaviors can promote higher achievement, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She investigates the relationship between teacher professional development and effective mathematics teaching, with a focus on practical implementation in diverse educational settings from primary through higher education.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on translating educational research into classroom practice, particularly regarding mathematics education and teacher-student interactions. Her work shows a progression from theoretical foundations of high-expectation teaching to practical implementation strategies across various educational contexts. A significant portion of her research examines dynamic mathematics interviews as tools for understanding student thinking and tailoring instruction to individual needs, while also exploring how teacher beliefs and behaviors impact student outcomes.

Kaskens has developed and led the Windesheim-wide learning lab 'Teacher Roles, Didactics, and Pedagogical Relationships,' which focuses on equipping teachers for challenging and flexible educational environments. Her approach emphasizes the importance of activating interactions between teachers and students, with particular attention to how small changes in teacher behavior can significantly impact student motivation and achievement.

As a researcher and educator, Kaskens works extensively with teacher training programs, focusing on strengthening the didactic professionalism of teacher educators. She collaborates with various research groups within Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, particularly those focused on educational quality and inclusive learning environments. Her work has practical applications across multiple educational sectors, from early childhood education through higher professional education.