Umeå Science and Technology Education Research (UmSTER)

The research environment UmSTER (Umeå Science and Technology Education Research) has over the past 20 years developed into a well-established interdisciplinary research environment with great diversity and with national and international collaborations. These collaborations have contributed to a significant breadth of theoretical and methodological perspectives in our research. UmSTER has an open and collegial climate where it is easy to collaborate receive constructive feedback. This provides good support for conducting research of high quality and productivity - which is reflected in the more than 20 dissertations produced in the environment since 2004. The research includes several different types of theoretical and methodological research approaches, and is often conducted in close cooperation with schools, preschools and other universities.

The research aims at increasing our knowledge about teaching and learning in science, technology, and engineering (STE) education, exploring questions related to teaching practices, subject content, learning contexts, gender issues, epistemic beliefs, emotions, and motivation. The research focuses both students and educators, and includes all stages of formal education, from preschool to university. Our research often employs an applied approach and addresses concerns that are pertinent for teachers in schools and universities. Leaders of the research environment are Professor Mikael Winberg and Professor Christina Ottander. Within the framework of UmSER's seminar series, theoretical, methodological, and practice-related issues are discussed. Besides the general seminar series, Professor Maria Berge leads a seminar series specialized on identity and power perspectives in science and technology education and, together with Associate Professor Johanna Lönngren, a seminar on technology and engineering education research.

For more information on our research, please continue to our official webbsite: UmSTER