Name: Ingela Bursjöö
Technology & Science teacher, PhD student
Buråsskolan Gothenburg
Sweden
 

Ingela Bursjöö (right) with the Crown Princess of Sweden in the Teacher of the Year -ceremony.

Being a teacher is not boring and dull, at least when you hear Ingela Bursjöö - a Technology and Science teacher who is also researching for a PhD - describing her work. Ingela works as a Technology and Science teacher in the Swedish Buråsskolan in Gothenburg, getting 13-16 years old students interested in science –meanwhile keeping herself up to date with the latest developments in technology.

Ingela’s work was recently rewarded, when in May 2009 she was declared Sweden’s Technology Teacher of the Year.

Q: How did you end up working in Science and Technology?
A: Science and research is the only way to really get the curiosity inside you to flourish. I’m inspired by the wish to understand the questions that start with why or how.

My work is about transferring these abstract science and technology topics into something understandable and interesting for a 13-16 year old.

Q: What does your normal work day look like?
A: As I’m working both as a teacher and a researcher, two days a week I have conferences and seminars, or meetings with people and reading and writing for my PhD at the university. One day a week I visit student teachers when they do their pre-service practice, and two days a week I have my “own” classes with the wonderful young students. It’s a perfect mix, it never gets boring!

In addition, I participate with my students in many technology competitions, which give the pupils more real-life situations, as they usually include several visits outside the school. I’m also using science centres, playgrounds for Physics, and amusement parks in my teaching.

Q: What qualifications and skills do you need in your work?
A: First of all, the ability to turn something abstract, and perhaps complex, into something easy to understand, interesting and even fun for the kids. As a researcher and teacher you need a lot of curiosity about your subject – and the life around you. You need always to remember that you are there for the pupils and not the other way around.

Naturally a Science and Technology teacher needs to stay updated on what’s happening in the field, and which new technologies you can use in your teaching. Innovations like Smartboards, USB-connected microscopes, and the possibility of streaming movies give a new dimension to planning and doing education more meaningfully.

Q: What is the best part of your job? And the worst?
A: Both the best and the worst is the social intensity of being a teacher: you are always talking, listening, assessing, guiding, fostering, helping and worrying about your students. But I love it when I can see that the pupils like to learn and enjoy being in school. The best part is when we have fun and learn at the same time!

Q: How do you encourage your pupils to study Science and Technology subjects?
A: I think learning Science and Technology gives one several advantages in life in general. I say to my students that being creative and innovative – which is what learning Science and Technology is about - gives you the ability to manage your life better and to participate with fact-based arguments in discussions and decision-making.

My tip number 1 – and 2 and 3 - to make Technology and Science education more fun is to get out of the classroom and go to companies, museums, science centres and out into nature. That’s where you’ll find Science in practice.

Q: You recently received the Technology Teacher of the Year award. Were you surprised at the nomination?
A: It is always difficult to see the uniqueness in your own life – it is so familiar and obvious to you – but it’s nice that the teaching practice we have built up over for several years finally pays back.

The award was given for my efforts to combine technology in the teaching of other, “normal” subjects, such as sustainable development. Thinking across and over subject borders is still pretty rare in schools. Our experience shows that it helps pupils to stay motivated and interested in the learning, and encourages them to find new solutions.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I will try to keep the spotlight on Technology, which still seems to be hidden in the Swedish school debate.

A successful society needs a well-functioning school system – how is yours? Teachers are at the heart of this system, able to think what improvements can be made. If you want to be part of that, then go for it!