The computer screen shows the presentation that Klara Bolander Laksov is preparing for the seminar about the research project she’s involved with. In the project she studies, together with colleagues from Karolinska Institutet, the informal teachings that happens within general practitioner’s environments. She explains:
“We’re researching how the informal environment where people work, their work places, affects the opportunity to learn and evolve in one’s professional role.”
She has two days a week allotted to research, while the other three days are spent working as Director of CeUL.
Her work desk is large and covered with what she needs in her work. Among these things is a dissertation from a student at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Klara Bolander Laksov will be there when the student defends the thesis as she is in the examining committee.
“I will go there by train, of course!”
As a professor it’s part of her work to be invited to other universities as opponent, or to be part of the examining committee at dissertations.
“As a professor, the commissions can be quite many. I assess other’s scientific works within the area that I am proficient.”
Spread out in her room there is at least five cups, except for the one she’s currently drinking from. They’re all gifts from colleagues and doctoral students she has met over the years. Throughout the days there can be quite a few cups of coffee, and the spontaneous meetings with colleagues by the coffee machine is important.
“Actually, meeting over a cup of coffee is a necessary part of the informal learning. A canteen is also important as it’s a great chance to see and hear what others are working on and get inspiration and ideas”. She continues to explain that the unified moment over a cup of coffee or some food is a natural way to together solve problems in the work life.
On top of a pile of papers on the desk there is a little cube that at first looks very discreet, coloured in the University’s colours white, blue, green and orange. But let’s not be fooled! The cube is possible to open in eight different ways and shows the eight steps that Klara Bolander Laksov and her colleagues teach during the education for employed teachers at Stockholm University.
“One could say that this cube concludes a lot of what I do within academic teaching.”
The cube is a reminder of what it is to be a university teacher.
Klara Bolander Laksov emphasises that the pedagogical knowledge is important, no matter if one is a teacher or for example a general practitioner. She herself was drawn to the Department of Education and CeUL to be able to work in an environment that focuses on pedagogic questions from different perspectives, and for the possibility to meet colleagues from other institutions.
“I think that one of the aspects why a lot of people appreciates CeUL’s courses and activities is the opportunity to have a greater insight of the University. It’s not until one sees the broader perspective that a university becomes a university.”
Text: Isabell Håkansson and Theresé Täckenström