Heidi Elisabeth Klynderud is awarded the 2026 Teacher’s Prize for her report “Our Journey with Courage and Confidence–Finding the Student Voice Within a Clearly Structured Assignment”
In this report, Klynderud from Vestby Upper Secondary School explores how students can leave their personal imprint on texts written within clearly defined parameters, in a genre that is unfamiliar to them, namely the academic one.
She examines whether it is possible to provide students with defined frameworks without limiting their opportunity to develop and express their own voice in research projects. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and her work with student research, she reflects on how different pedagogical choices influence students’ processes and outcomes.
The jury’s statement:
In this text, Klynderud raises the question of whether it is possible to provide students with clear structure without depriving them of the opportunity to leave their own mark on their research projects. She draws on her extensive experience as a teacher—and with student research—when reflecting on how didactic choices shape students’ work. She concludes that clear structures do not appear to prevent the student voice from emerging in their projects and written work.
The report is well written, and its reflections may be of value to other teachers in their work. In the report, Klynderud expresses strong confidence in her first-year upper secondary students and in their research abilities. The teacher’s voice comes through clearly in the text through the author’s use of metaphorical language and vivid literary references. The reflections gain additional depth as the author incorporates learning theory and discusses her choices in light of it.
The jury find this to be an interesting report that may contribute to strengthening teachers’ choices and competence in student research in the future, and they congratulate Klynderud on a report that demonstrates the value of good structure and clear frameworks throughout the writing process.
About the Teacher’s Prize
The Holberg School Programme awards a prize of 20 000 NOK to the teacher who presents the best educational program initiated as part of the competition each year.
The Teacher’s Prize recipient is chosen by the Holberg School Programme Jury, based on a voluntary report the teachers can choose to write about their experiences with participating in the programme.
The winner is announced in early May and the award ceremony takes place during the Holberg Week in Early June each year.