TCELT Research Seminar: July 2026

This study explores pupils’ perspectives on the transition from Lower primary school (Grade 4) to the Upper primary school (Grade 5) in two Norwegian elementary schools. 

The data sample consisted of letters written from the students to us researchers. The letters were analysed using thematic analysis, and the framework of multiple and multidimensional transitions proved suitable for categorising pupils’ experiences of this school transition (Strand, 2025). The findings indicate that pupils generally experience the transition to the upper primary grades as safe, meaningful and characterised by positive expectations. Pupils’ accounts reveal several parallel and interconnected transition dimensions. 

Social relationships, the physical school environment and structural changes emerge as particularly significant for pupils’ well-being and sense of belonging. At the same time, many pupils anticipate increased academic demands. Structural changes and new responsibilities are largely perceived positively, interpreted as expressions of increased autonomy and identity development. Overall, pupils appear to accept higher academic demands and responsibilities as a natural part of growing older. The study contributes to transition research by foregrounding pupils’ voices and by highlighting transitions within compulsory schooling as dynamic, multidimensional processes rather than primarily problem-oriented events.

Speaker biographies

Anna Järnerot teaches at the department of teacher education in Trondheim. She is an associate professor in pedagogy, with more than 20 years in teacher service in both Sweden and Norway. At the teacher education she teaches pedagogy and special needs education, focusing reading and math challenges. She is especially interested in didactics in various subjects/disciplines. For some years she has now researched the transition from lower to upper primary school. Her main research interests are: 

• Combining knowledge 
• Didactical research to improve teacher education 
• Special needs: 
  • Reading and writing difficulties and challenges
  • Math difficulties and challenges 
• Rural education 
• Transitions in primary school and to higher education

This presentation will be online (MS Teams) on 1 July 2026. If you do not have a link to join, please email [email protected]