Making knowledge stick – Ida Svanedal on her approach to teaching

For Ida Svanedal, it is important to create a teaching environment where all students feel that they can ask questions and contribute with their perspectives.

"It should be unpretentious. In class, all questions are allowed. I always try to confirm questions, because there are probably more people in the group who are wondering the same thing," she says.

The questions are also a way for Ida to develop her own teaching. When a student asks something, she sees what needs to be clarified or explained in a different way.

"Questions also mean that I can absorb and learn from the questions. They show what I may need to clarify in my teaching for next time.

Important with active work

Ida alternates theoretical reviews with active work and study questions. In this way, the students get the opportunity to use their new knowledge immediately.

“I would never base an exam solely on a book someone has read. It’s about applying what you’ve learned and solving problems in a way that puts the knowledge from the book to practical use.”

She believes that it is important that the students both master the basics and can use their knowledge to solve problems and reason about various issues.

"They must be aware of the facts and basic knowledge, but must also be able to apply them.

In its award citation, the Student Union particularly highlights this approach to teaching. According to the citation, this year’s recipient has developed a way of teaching that makes even difficult and abstract concepts in chemistry clear and understandable. Students also appreciate clear lectures and well-structured teaching materials that make it easier to follow the course and understand complex concepts.

Wants to see students develop

Another important part of Ida's teaching is the meeting with the students. In smaller groups, there is the opportunity to move around the classroom, discuss and capture how the students reason.

"I love teaching. And I like to do it in a slightly smaller group where you can see how it lands. ou can see when students are processing what they’ve learned and making it their own.

She also likes to see how the students develop during the education – not only in terms of knowledge, but also in their ability to dare to take up space, ask questions and try things out.

"I often ask someone to share what they have discovered and then someone else can fill in. It's rewarding to see the personal development that a student does, that they dare to say something and share and grow towards their future professional role.

The Student Union also describes the learning environment as safe and inclusive and highlights Ida's desire to meet students with different conditions and give everyone good opportunities to learn.

For Ida, it is precisely the students' appreciation that makes the award particularly significant.

The finest prize you can get

"It feels like the finest award I can receive as a teacher at Mid Sweden University. I'm happy and touched.

As a teacher, Ida also wants to give students knowledge that they can use outside the university. Her own research is about ecological sustainability, and she sees chemistry as an important part of the societal transition that is underway.

“If I can educate students who understand how we can replace fossil-based products with sustainable alternatives, and how they can contribute to this development in society, then I hope they will want to help drive sustainable development. Chemistry is a key area of knowledge in that transition.”