Selma Dzemidzic Kristiansen

Selma Dzemidzic Kristiansen

Associate Professor
Department of Educational Science
Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science
Campus Drammen
+47 31 00 92 77
My academic work is related to inclusive pedagogy, special needs education, and cooperative learning pedagogy, with a focus on quality socially responsive educational practice and inclusive didactic, psychosocial topics including cooperative peer support and socio-relational pedagogy. I completed my PhD in the Pedagogical Resources and Learning Processes Program (PEDRES). My doctoral work was carried out at the Faculty of Humanities, Sports, and Educational Sciences at the University of South- Eastern Norway. The doctoral thesis responds to the need for socio-dynamic interaction skills grounded in inclusive pedagogy, such as cooperative learning, aiming to promote active engagement in education and social inclusion in line with global education trends. Practical experience and in-depth competence are related to inclusive theories and practices, and inclusive teaching is grounded in the implementation of several international projects and research cooperation programs between Norway, the University of Oslo, the Department of Special Needs Education, and universities in the Western Balkans (2003-2020). I participated in school and research activities regarding the Development towards the inclusive school: Practice-Research-Capacity Building, which resulted in three research anthologies answering the primary research question: “How does school teach in accordance with pupils’ different levels of mastery and needs for support in the learning process (resources, barriers and dilemmas)? As a member of the International Association for Initiatives in Education, "Step by Step", I worked as a coordinator and educator in the post-war Bosnian educational context for implementing “Child-Centred education with a focus on Inclusion of Minority and Marginalized Groups of Children in the regular system of Education”.

Responsibilities

  • Teaching in pedagogy, the primary school teacher education program (GLU). Responsible for the course Pedagogy and Student Knowledge 1, 2, 3

    In addition to my primary teaching duties, I serve as a supervisor and examiner for master’s students from various regions of Norway and beyond (master’s degree in professional-oriented pedagogy and special pedagogy).  

  • I am also an International Editorial Board Member for Springer Nature (Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications) https://www.nature.com/palcomms/journal-information/editorialboard

  • I have been teaching and supervising students enrolled in the International Teacher Education for Primary Schools (ITEPS).

Competences

  • Cooperation in Education, Inclusive and Special Needs Education,
  • Social pedagogy, Cooperative learning, Peer cooperation, Promotive interactions
  • Teachers’ preparation for cooperative and inclusive education

CV

 

Working experience

I am a former primary school teacher, school adviser/pedagogue, and inspector (1994- 2015) Bosnia and Herzegovina. My International Master in Special Needs Education at the University of Oslo (2007) focused on cooperative learning at the primary school level, which I used to support teachers’ preparation for cooperative and inclusive education in contexts of social and cultural diversity. As a trainer and member of the International Association for Initiatives in Education "Step by step", I led workshops at the program "Child-centered education pedagogy", "Inclusion Minority and Marginalized Groups of children in the regular system of Education".

2015-2016: Assistant in kindergarten, special educator in primary school in Norway

2017-2021: Teacher, USN (ITEPS program)-International Teacher Education for Primary Schools

2021-2022: Part-time teacher, USN (teaching, supervision, assessment)

2023-to date: Associate Professor, USN

 

Education

  • 2024 Philosophiae doctor
  • 2018-2022: Participation in the Norwegian National Research School in Teacher Education (NAFOL)
  • Master of Philosophy in Special Needs Education, (2 years); University of Oslo; 2005-2007
  • A year-long education in” Individualization and Inclusion in Education “, (1 year); University of Mostar “Dzemal Bijedic” in cooperation with University of Helsinki; 2004-2005
  • Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo (4 years); Department of Pedagogy; 1997-2001
  • ISS (International Summer School) in Special Need Education, University of Oslo, 6 weeks course, 2003
  •  International Association for Initiatives in Education" Step by step", Sarajevo in program "Child-centered education". "Specialization in Inclusion Minority and Marginalised Groups of Children in the regular system of Education"(1997-2003)
  • Pedagogical Academy of Sarajevo, University in Sarajevo (2 years ); Primary school teacher education program 1994-1996

 

Publications

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S., & Von Hof, J. (2025). Co-Learners as Co-Agents for Inclusion: Promoting Classroom Inclusivity through Face-to-Face Interaction. IntechOpen. DOI: 10.5772intechopen.1009984                

  • Thomas, P; Kristiansen Dzemidzic,S. & Von Hof, J. (2025).Education and Cultural Evolution in Norway’s Multiethnic Society Bridges to Belonging. Open Access book. Springer Nature https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-89018-5

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2024). Exploring pupils' face-to-face interaction in a co-learning classroom context: The case of Bosnia and Herzegovina https://openarchive.usn.no/usn-xmlui/handle/11250/3125261

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2022). Bridging the interactional gap: Teachers’ influence on pupils’ face-to-face promotive interaction for socially responsive co-learning. I: K. Smith (Red.), Inquiry as a bridge in teaching and teacher education. NAFOL 2022 (p. 61–83). Fagbokforlaget.download the whole book on Fagbokforlaget’s web page.
  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2021) Becoming a Socially Responsive Co-Learner: Primary School Pupils’ Practices of Face-to-Face Promotive Interaction in Cooperative Learning Groups. Education Sciences. 11(5):195. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/11/5/195
  • Zecic, S., Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S., Hadzic, S., & Cehic, I. (2020). Supporting Pupils with Speech and Language Impairments in Regular Primary Schools in Bosnia & Herzegovina- Presentation of Findings. In Johnsen, B.H. (Eds.), International Classroom Studies of Inclusive Practises: Comparing Teaching-Learning Processes, pp. 134-150. CAPPELEN DAMM AKADEMISK https://press.nordicopenaccess.no/index.php/noasp/catalog/book/122 
  • Selma Dzemidzic Kristiansen (2020) Exploring pupils’ and teachers’ perspectives on face-to-face promotive interaction in cooperative learning; Education 3-13 International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2020.1833060
  • Selma Dzemidzic Kristiansen, Tony Burner & Berit Helene Johnsen | Gregory Yates (Reviewing editor) (2019) Face-to-face promotive interaction leading to successful cooperative learning: A review study, Cogent Education, 6:1, DOI: 10.1080/2331186X.2019.1674067

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. & Sarkinovic, B. (2016). Inovativni pristup u razvijanju partnerstva porodice i skole (An innovative approach in developing family-school partnerships) The publication is in the proceedings Regional Scientific Conference "Towards New Steps in Education" held in Sarajevo, October 11 and 12, 2013 (pp.177-187) http://ff-eizdavastvo.ba/Books/SerialPubl/ped/ZR_odsjeka_za_pedagogiju.pdf

  • Sunčica Macura Milovanović, Ivana Batarelo Kokić, Selma Džemidžić Kristiansen, Ibolya Gera, Estevan Ikonomi, Lejla Kafedžić, Tamara Milić, Xhavit Rexhaj, Ognen Spasovski & Alison Closs (2014) Dearth of early education experience: a significant barrier to educational and social inclusion in the Western Balkans, International Journal of Inclusive Education, 18:1, 36-54, DOI: 10.1080/13603116.2012.756948
  • Zecic, S., Cehic, I., Dzemidzic Kristiansen S.& Hadzic, S. (2014).Methodology in Studies of Support for Pupils with Speech and Language Impairments in Regular Primary Schools. In Johnsen, B.H.(eds.) Theory and Methodology in International Comparative Classroom  Studies. (pg: 291-297).Oslo: Cappelen Damms Akademisk

  • Zecic S., Cehic, I., Dzemidzic Kristiansen S.& Hadzic, S. (2013). Supporting Pupils with Language and Speech Difficulties in Regular Primary Schools. Comparative Research and Intervention in the Classroom towards Inclusion. In Johnsen, B. H.(eds.)Research Project Preparation within Education and Special Needs Education.Introduction to the theory of Science, Project Planning, and Research Plans. (pg: 264-277).Oslo: Cappelen Damms Akademisk

  • Dzemidzic, S. (2008). Cooperative learning in inclusive education. In Journal for teaching theory and practice, Didactic guideposts, Zenica, BiH: December 2008

  • Dzemidzic, S. (2007). Peer support to pupils with special needs in their learning and socio-emotional development in the inclusive classrooms of the regular school. Zivot & Down Syndrome, no. 2 –Journal number 2, Life and Down Syndrome, Bemust, Sarajevo

  • Dzemidzic, S (2007). Cooperation among Pupils in the Classroom. Oslo Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo. (Master thesis).

  • Dzemidzic,S.(2005).Roditelji u individualno prilagodjenom obrazovanju i rukovodjenjurazredom; (Parents in individual adapted education and classroom management ) Casopis “Naša škola” ,vanredni broj 2005,Sarajevo (The Journal “Our School”, special number 2005, Sarajevo).

  • Dzemidzic, S.& Hrga, G. (2003). Identification and Observation of Children in Category of Special Needs, from Different aspects in First Grade of Primary School:” Dzemaludin Causevic”- Sarajevo. The publication is in the proceedings 2nd scientific symposium with international participation, February 24 and 25, 2003 in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina “Socio-Emotional Growth and Development of Learning Strategies “, 2003, Tuzla as part of the Project: Project SØE 02/06 (2002) Institutional Competence Building and Cooperation with Two Bosnian Universities: Special Needs Education towards Inclusion

Conference presentations

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2021) Pedagogical tools relating to face-to-face promotive interaction for cooperative learning: Becoming a socially responsive co-learning; IAIE Conference -Intercultural Education in an Age of Information and Disinformation June 27-30 
  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2020) About face-to-face promotive interaction: How do primary school pupils practice it? Paper presentation. Inquiry as a Bridge between Theory and Practice in Teaching and Teacher Education Virtual Conference for Emerging Researchers in Teacher Education; 20-22 October 2020.
  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S. (2019) Promoting students’ face-to-face promotive interaction (FtFPI) in small cooperative groups: Academic Workshop. Another brick in the wall: IASCE Conference, Amsterdam- Rethinking education- Strand 3: Cooperative learning and other interactive learning approaches; 2019-11-15

  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen, S.& Sarkinovic, B. (2013). An innovative approach in developing family-school partnerships). Presentation at the Regional Scientific Conference "Towards New Steps in Education" held in Sarajevo, October 11 and 12, 2013

  • Dzemidzic-Kristiansen, S. (2009). Competences for Inclusive and Intercultural education(An example of inclusive practice in a primary school in Sarajevo).Presentation on the Sarajevo Conferences: “Teachers: A Pillar for student’s successful Attainment ` Competences for Inclusive and Intercultural Education”, 23 November 2009, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina: UNICEF & MDGIF
  • Dzemidzic-Kristiansen, S., Varunek V., Sarkinovic, B., Abdulovic, A., & Kafedzic, L. (2009). Presentation of Inclusive practice with Children with Down Syndrome and their families. Regional Conference “Step by Step” Association, Fojnica Bosnia and Herzegovina, 22-25 August 2009.
  • Dzemidzic Kristiansen S., & Hadzic, S. (2009) Papers presented for discussion from Sarajevo University. Presentation of research contribution to “Comparative Classroom Studies towards Inclusion“, Zagreb Workshop, 17-22 May.
  • Dzemidzic, S (2008). An example of inclusive practice in a primary school in Sarajevo. Presentation on the Sarajevo conference” Education an indisputable key to a stable future,11 December 2008, Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina: Save the children-Norway & UNICEF
  • Dzemidzic, S.(2007).Cooperative learning in multicultural societies. Papers on international conference NEETRED (the University of Oslo-Institute for research in Education ) 3-5 December 2007, Beitøstolen, Norway
  • Dzemidzic, S.(2007). Learning in and out of the classroom –cooperation among pupils. Presentation of papers on XIII World Congress of Comparative Pedagogues – “Live together: education and intercultural dialogue”, Sarajevo,3-7 September

 

 

Publications in the Norwegian Research Information Repository