Jonne Bloem
Utrecht University
| Introduction: I am a PhD candidate at Utrecht University and currently halfway through my third year. I live in the beautiful city of Utrecht. For leisure, I love running and enjoy sunny bike rides on my race bike. I also love cooking and having drinks with my friends and family, as well as spending my Sunday mornings reading a book with a good coffee. |
| Research topics: I completed my bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences at Utrecht University, where I also pursued a research master’s. My broader interests lie in psychology and individual learning, with a particular focus on child development and related societal issues. This aligns with the topic of my dissertation, in which I explore the underlying mechanisms of educational (in)equality by examining interactions between primary school teachers and students from diverse backgrounds. |
| Current research interest: To study teacher-student interactions, I use Self-Determination Theory to investigate how teachers support or frustrate students’ basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. I also examine the role of teacher expectations and attitudes, as well as their impact on student motivation, engagement, and learning. For data collection, I collaborated with another PhD candidate, which allowed us to visit 68 primary school classes three times during the last school year to gather survey data and video observations. |
| Tips & tricks: Celebrate every highlight, and don’t hesitate to treat yourself to good coffee. |