IN-PERSON MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY. SECTION B
Abstract
The introduction of the qualifications framework in higher education institutions (HEIs), together with changes in laws, regulations and national guidelines, has redirected both pedagogy and higher education policy towards student learning outcomes. Consequently, the definition, achievement and evaluation of learning outcomes have become central to institutions’ quality work. In order to discuss the quality of the Norwegian Police University College´s (NPUC) continuing education for operational police commanders, we conducted a study to investigate one important indicator of educational quality: Students perception of learning outcomes. We posed the following research questions (RQs): To which extent do you perceive that you have obtained: knowledge (RQ1), skills (RQ2) and general competence (RQ3)? We conducted a survey with 20 students taking part in the educational program. The same value scale was used for all 22 questions in the survey. The value scale ranged from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree). Answering questions related to knowledge (RQ1), and skills (RQ2), we find that the students consistently rate their learning outcomes as largely achieved, respectively 6.3 and just under 6.0. In other words, they largely perceive that they have achieved defined learning outcomes related to knowledge and skills. Learning outcomes related to general competence (RQ3), are scored slightly above 6.0 for most outcome descriptions, but slightly lower for learning outcomes related to ethics and preventive interdisciplinary work. The article discusses the significance of these findings for educational quality in continuing educational programs for operational commanders in the Norwegian police.
Ole Boe is a professor of leadership and organization at the Norwegian Police University College. He has a PhD in judgment and decision-making. He has led national and international research projects on education for unforeseen situations, leadership in extreme situations, enhancing combat mindset, and military leadership and leadership development. With 20 years of military service, his research interests encompass character strengths, education, resilience, military psychology and humour, PTSD and PTG. He has published 440 scientific articles and he is a co-author of 10 books.
Knut Mellingsæter Sørensen is an associate professor of societal security with a PhD about extraordinary critical situations. He is currently working on topics such as proactive crisis management, stress and social support in work environment, resilience in the face of extraordinary violence, and enhancing combat mindset to perform more optimally.
Ingrid Furfjord is a university lecturer and have worked at the Norwegian Police University College (NPUC) since 2012, with various tasks within teaching, research and development work, education and quality management, counseling, and guidance. As a university lecturer in pedagogy, she teach at the NPUC’s instructor training programs, primarily those related to police operations, and in basic pedagogical skills training. In addition to teaching, research, and development work within my own field of pedagogy, she works in interdisciplinary groups and projects related to various police operational fields.
Arne Nørstebø hold a cand.paedagogia degree from the University of Oslo, a 6.5-year advanced degree in pedagogy. His academic focus includes didactics, motivation, counselling, curriculum design, learning theory, feedback, online education, and active learning. He currently work with continuing and further education at the Norwegian Police University College, specializing in police tactics, supervision, and peer feedback.
Ragnhild Holm is a graduate from the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Education, and the Norwegian Academy of Music. She has worked at the Norwegian Police University College (NPUC) since 2004, studying “Organization and Management” and “Basic Pedagogical Competence,” and she also work with guidance and research. Holm conduct research on learning outcomes in online leadership studies for police educators.
Åsmund Sanda has a background from operational police work. He has worked as an incident commander from 2014 to 2022. He is employed at the Norwegian Police University College.
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Wednesday 24th June, 2026