Valerie Margrain, Professor of Pedagogical Work

Valerie Margrain was raised in New Zealand but lived in Sweden for a year as a teenager. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in History, got her teaching diploma, and did her PhD research at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. She also completed postgraduate studies in educational psychology at Massey University, New Zealand. 

Valerie Margrain investigates how young gifted children and other diverse learners are recognised and supported (or not) by teachers, how classrooms can be inclusive learning spaces for all children and how the curriculum can be differentiated. She is also interested in how literacy and teacher assessment practices are culturally mediated.

“We can challenge the idea that there is any ‘normal’ and instead of thinking about ‘difference’, look for the unique strengths of all individuals. With that perspective comes the responsibility that our learning spaces and teaching practices support all children to learn and feel valued. These ideas are both philosophical and practice-oriented.”

As a qualitative researcher, Valerie Margrain celebrates that there are many perspectives on education and childhood. She values having the opportunity to advocate the rights of marginalised children and families. Valerie Margrain has published four books, 16 peer reviewed journal articles and 15 book chapters, with further work in development.

“I look forward to having the chance to promote greater understanding of giftedness in Sweden, and hope to start a new Nordic project in that area.  I also have continuing projects related to gifted education, early literacy, and teachers’ work. I can support internationalisation at Karlstad University through partnerships with New Zealand, Australia, and European colleagues.”

Although Valerie Margrain is not Swedish she has Swedish family; she has visited them many times and always dreamed of being able to work and live in Sweden one day. 

“While living in Sweden I want to improve my Swedish language skills and learn more about Swedish education systems, enjoy Swedish nature, make new friends, join a gym, fikaoften with my parents, and have new travel experiences.  I will keep contact with my three adult Melbourne-based children via media, and hopefully host some visitors from ‘down under’.”