Maria Johansson

About me

I am Head of Department for the Department of Health, Education and Technology (HLT) at Luleå University of Technology and Professor of Mathematics and Science Education. In my role, I am responsible for leading and developing a broad academic environment that brings together both research and education in health and teacher education. This includes developing research and teaching activities, strengthening research environments, and creating strong conditions for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

My background, with two doctoral degrees in mathematics and in mathematics education, provides a broad academic foundation that I use to connect subject development, education and academic leadership.

Research

My research focuses on developing knowledge about how mathematics is shaped in teaching and how this creates different opportunities for participation, learning and development. I examine how mathematics emerges through interaction between students and teachers, and how teaching can either enable or limit students’ opportunities to participate and learn.

My research profile includes:

• Early mathematics – children embodied, material and non-verbal exploration of mathematics
• Participation and positioning – how students are given different opportunities to engage in mathematical practices
• Teaching practices and interaction – how the design of teaching influences what can be learned
• Practice-based research and professional development – developing models that integrate research with school practice

My research is conducted in international networks and in close collaboration with schools and teacher education. It combines theoretical development with empirically grounded studies and aims to generate knowledge that contributes to the research field while also having direct relevance for teaching in practice.