About
I work in the Section for Physical Education at the Department of Early Childhood Teacher Education at Oslo Metropolitan University. I hold a master’s degree in Sport Science from Nord University, as well as further education in Special Needs Education.
My research interests lie at the intersection of health, physical activity, teaching methods, and inclusive practices. I am particularly concerned with how pedagogical approaches, outdoor environments, and professional practices in early childhood education influence children’s participation, well-being, and embodied learning.
In my teaching, I emphasize the integration of theory and practice, with the aim of supporting students in developing a reflective and practice-oriented professional identity.
Research groups
Publications and research
Scientific publications
Sandbakken, Mari
;
Botnen, Synnøve Smebye
;
Kaarby, Karen Marie Eid
;
Solheim, Elias Rossow
(2026).
The power of returning to a place over time – early childhood teacher education students’ learning in nature.
Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2026.2681852
