Kristian Abelsen

Kristian Abelsen is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education and Outdoor Studies, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. With over 15 years at NIH (including sabbatical periods), he focuses on integrating friluftsliv (outdoor activities) and dance into physical education curricula. His work emphasizes slow friluftsliv pedagogy, professional development, and assessment strategies for lifelong engagement.

• Primary affiliation: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (since 2009)
• Teaching focus: Outdoor education, slow friluftsliv, social/personal development
• Research emphasis: Friluftsliv didactics, teacher education
• Projects: Action research on "Different physical education" with 6 teachers

Research interests center on outdoor education and its role in:

• Building sustainable human-nature relationships
• Promoting mindfulness through "slow friluftsliv"
• Enhancing social pedagogical practices
• Developing competency-based assessment models

His publications span 2017-2025, focusing on pedagogical frameworks and curriculum innovation.

Current leadership roles include:

• Project manager for "Different physical education" action research project
• Institutional fitness program manager

He previously worked as a teacher at Rønningen Folkehøgskole (2001-2008) and project teacher at Ila Junior High School (1998-2001).