Soern Finn Menning

Soern Finn Menning is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Pedagogy at the University of Agder, Norway. His academic work focuses on early childhood education and care (ECEC), with particular emphasis on curiosity, ethics, and innovative research methodologies. He maintains an active research profile with numerous publications spanning educational philosophy, qualitative research methods, and childhood studies.

Menning's research interests include:

• Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) practices and philosophy
• Curiosity as an ethical and educational concept in kindergarten settings
• Innovative video research methodologies and post-qualitative approaches
• Ethics and values in early childhood education
• Childhood studies from posthumanist and new materialist perspectives
• Critical examination of developmentalism in ECEC

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on reimagining research methodologies, particularly through video and cinematic approaches, while maintaining a critical perspective on educational practices. Menning frequently collaborates with international scholars, especially Karin Murris, on projects exploring the intersection of philosophy, methodology, and early childhood education. His work often challenges conventional approaches to understanding childhood and educational practices, advocating for more nuanced, ethical, and creative research and pedagogical approaches.

Menning is actively involved in research groups focused on Kindergartens, childhood and kindergarten teacher education. His work spans theoretical exploration and practical application, contributing significantly to the field of early childhood education research in Norway and internationally.