Mildrid Bjerke

Mildrid Bjerke is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University, affiliated with the Faculty of Education and International Studies and the Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education. She serves as Head of Studies - Area of Responsibility 4 and is actively engaged in research on teacher education, literary didactics, and critical thinking development in primary education.

Her research interests center on literary didactics, aesthetic education, and critical thinking, particularly through interdisciplinary projects like KriT, which explores how children’s literature and news can foster critical consciousness in young learners. She investigates historical and philosophical foundations of literary education, especially the concept of 'aesthetic disinterest' as articulated by figures like Matthew Arnold and Martha Nussbaum, and reimagines its relevance in contemporary classrooms.

Her recent publications span books, journal articles, and conference contributions, showing a consistent focus on the emotional, ethical, and political dimensions of reading and teaching literature. Themes include affect theory, anti-racist pedagogy, curriculum design, and the role of art in education. Her work bridges theory and practice, aiming to transform literary education into a more inclusive and critically aware domain.

She is involved in the research groups Teacher Education as a Process of Bildung and Text and Disciplinary Didactics, contributing to both scholarly discourse and teacher training. While no formal advising of students is listed, her leadership role suggests significant mentorship and curriculum oversight. No scientific awards are mentioned in the available data.

Her research is supported through institutional affiliation and collaborative projects, and she disseminates her work widely through academic publications and conferences. She contributes to both national and international educational dialogues, particularly in Nordic and UK-based academic circles.