Researcher from Australia Visits the University

Jennifer Charteris

Jennifer Charteris, University of New England in Armidale, Australia. Photo: Anders Munck

Jennifer Charteris, from the University of New England in Australia, is visiting the University of Gävle. The goal of her visit is to develop collaboration with the university's researchers in the strategic research area of Innovative Learning Environments.

Jennifer Charteris' research in educational science has spanned various fields, but in recent years she has focused on learning environments and leadership within schools – and the connection between the two. In terms of learning environments, the University of Gävle’s research is prominent, not only by Swedish standards but also on a global level, through the strategic research area of Innovative Learning.

It is the university’s research, represented by Anneli Frelin and Jan Grannäs, that attracted her to visit Sweden.

“I’m in Gävle to meet with Jan and Anneli and to develop collaboration with them. Their research has a good international reputation, and they have such a strong presence in this field,” says Jennifer Charteris.

"Students are encouraged to be independent in Sweden."

Charteris is originally from New Zealand but has worked in Australia for many years. Today, she is a professor at the University of New England, based in Armidale, located between Sydney and Brisbane on the continent’s eastern side. According to Jennifer Charteris, the design and layout of schools in Australia and New Zealand are quite similar to those in Sweden.

“We borrow from each other internationally, so there are many similarities, but also differences. I find that schools have accommodations for climatic conditions in Sweden that are very different to home. Also, Nordic design is also renowned for being innovative. I have observed that students are encouraged to be very independent here, and they are given responsibility and learn that they are expected to contribute to society as citizens,” she says.

Visited Hemlingborg

During her visit to Gävle, Jennifer Charteris has, among other things, visited Hemlingborg. The building houses a municipal preschool, school, care and nursing home, and sports hall, all under the same roof.

“It was like a cycle, and it was inspiring to see. Shared environments within schools, where teachers and students can interact with each other and with the surrounding community, are very important. Children can see that they are part of the community and not isolated, and I believe this creates individuals who understand the possibilities of collaboration and how the different elements of society are interconnected.”

This page was last updated 2024-10-09