Petra Poelmans

Dr. Petra Poelmans is a Lecturer in Motivational Learning Environments at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Teacher Training Institute. Her work bridges education, research, and professional practice, focusing on secondary education in Zeeland and Rotterdam.

Research interests include:

• Designing motivating learning environments using motivation theories
• Hybrid learning environments in vocational (MBO) and higher professional education (HBO)
• Professional identity development of students and teachers
• Integrated reading instruction across subject areas
• Collaborative tools for assessing practical issue complexity

Key projects include the MOZAIC initiative for self-regulated learning and a study on reading skills in all subjects. She collaborates with Zeeland school boards and Fontys University of Applied Sciences, where she previously worked. Her public lecture in 2023 emphasized teacher-student collaboration in motivation and context-dependent educational mechanisms.