This is the second time in history that BI appoints Excellent Teacher Practitioners (ETPs), following the announcement of the first five in 2023. All four, who have undergone an extensive application and evaluation process, have demonstrated that they have worked systematically and over time with learning and teaching.
The committee ultimately decided to award the ETP title to Teaching Professor Mark Brown from the Department of Communication and Culture, Professor Benedicte Brøgger from the Department of Communication and Culture, Asssociate Professor Hakim Lyngstadås from the Department of Accounting and Operations Management, and Professor Ragnhild Silkoset from the Department of Marketing.
"These are colleagues who truly contribute to fostering a culture of learning and innovation on campus, rooted in research and their experience within their fields. Our Excellent Teacher Practitioners represent the best of the best and contribute directly to BI's strategic ambition of delivering outstanding learning experiences," says Thomas Hoholm, Provost for Academic Resources at BI.
”The best job in the world”
"I view the title as an iceberg. The students see the tip, which is the actual lecture right there and then. But it is all the work beneath the surface that makes the difference – the systematic work with learning design, assessment methods, continuous improvement, and a culture of feedback," says Ragnhild Silkoset.
She views the recognition as confirmation that this long-term and often invisible work holds value, not only for the students but also for elevating teaching as a professional activity at BI. According to Silkoset, the goal is to create lifelong curiosity through positive learning moments in the classroom, where she emphasizes stimulating both academic curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking.
"Good learning moments are when I strike a nerve, when students feel that the topics concern them, that they must engage and explore new perspectives. When former students, many years later, share how the teaching has impacted them, I know I’ve had the opportunity to make a lasting difference and that I have the best job in the world."
“An honor”
"Being recognized as an Excellent Teacher Practitioner is a deep personal honor for me, as it reaffirms my commitment and effort to support students on their journey to becoming tomorrow's employees and leaders," says Hakim Lyngstadås, who works at BI's campus in Trondheim.
He believes that students’ motivation for learning is strengthened when they can connect the curriculum to their own lives, interests, and experiences.
"Many students have 'aha' moments when they see that the principles of business economics have clear parallels to their own lives, whether they are creating a personal budget or trying to earn some money as influencers."
“Motivating”
"The title means a lot. Writing the application was demanding, but also rewarding because I had to think thoroughly about what I am actually doing and why when I teach. Now I am happy and proud that my efforts have been recognized by others who truly understand the job. It’s a great motivation. That the title comes with a pensionable salary increase makes it all the more valuable," says Benedicte Brøgger.
But what is important for Brøgger when creating magical learning moments inside the classroom?
"I’d love to have that recipe! These moments occur spontaneously. It can be a feeling that the students understand everything I say and that I understand them. It could be a sudden, resounding laughter that fills the room or an intense discussion about a subject-related question. What’s important for me is to be well-prepared and open to the dynamics in the classroom, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan."
“Learning opportunities, not moments”
“It’s a pleasant experience, colleagues have been very complementary, and Mrs. Brown will know what to do with the extra money. But I know too many good people who have applied and been turned down to take the ‘Excellent’ very seriously. I am still the same well-meaning teacher stumbling around in the darkness of trying to understand student learning,” says Mark Brown.
He emphasizes that it is the students who create the excellent learning moments. His job as a lecturer rather involves providing them with excellent learning opportunities. And the latter is a constantly evolving process.
“These days, I make videos on how to approach solving the problem and we use student learning assistants for individual feedback. This Autumn, we are going to run a pilot project in which our AI ‘Bizcombot’ will give students written feedback on an essay!”
About the Excellent Teacher Practitioner scheme at BI:
- In 2022, BI decided to introduce a system for appointing Excellent Teacher Practitioners, in line with BI's strategy and a Report to the Storting (White paper 16), which addresses the provision of updated and relevant education that motivates learning and progression.
- Becoming an Excellent Teacher Practitioner is a recognition of both individual and collaborative effort. It demonstrates a documented, systematic and scientific approach to teaching and learning over several years.
- BI's first Excellent Teacher Practitioners were appointed in 2023 (news article in Norwegian).
- Excellent Teacher Practitioners receive a salary increase of NOK 30,000, in addition to NOK 20,000 earmarked for pedagogical development in teaching.
- This year’s committee was led by Nina Veflen (BI) and also included Jan Ubøe (NHH), Espen Andersen (BI), Rune Hjelsvold (NTNU), Birgitte Grøgaard (BI), and student representative Marthe Sørvaag Hanssen (BISO).