The Master's in Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation programme at UiO trains the students to become experts in measurement in the social and behavioural sciences.
Why the Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation programme?
– It’s the only one of its kind in Norway. Since it’s an international programme, we have many big names in the field of methodology and quantitative methods.
Thea describes an inspiring environment that is challenging, continuously evolving, and full of role models to look up to. Close contact with PhD students is especially motivating, as she plans on going that route herself.
– Our centre is critically acclaimed internationally. This makes you feel like you are a part of a special network, and that makes you work harder.
It’s fun to be in such a small field with all the experts.
An intense and different programme
Thea explains that everyone goes through an intensive course during the first semester, to get everybody on the same level. This entails an introduction to foundational concepts in measurement, modelling and learning the required amount of programming.
– It’s an intensive programme. But it gives you plenty of opportunity to meet those challenges. Those of us who go here, are really interested in this field. We are the nerds, as we like to call ourselves.
The courses don’t all follow the normal semester plan that the rest of the university follows. One course lasts two months, another four months, yet another nine months.
– That’s one of the reasons this programme is so intensive. And there are a lot of lectures and assignments. It’s hard, but that’s kind of what we signed up for.
– We have one course where we make a full survey – or the survey items. This is a collaboration with Studiebarometeret, and the ultimate goal is to develop a set of items that they can actually use. It’s really cool. If your group’s items are considered good enough, they’ll actually use them.
What is the topic of your dissertation?
– I am looking at the PISA surveys, and I’m going to compare multiple top scoring countries to Norway.
I’m looking into what the difference is between Norway and the economies that are consistently “winning” the PISA.
– Usually these “winners” get more funding. It’s interesting because they can then alter the curriculum for 15-year-olds’, to match the questions that usually are in the survey. I find it interesting; there is some drama there.
The PISA survey measures 15-year-olds’ abilities in reading, mathematics and science.
– Norway usually scores average or below in math. I’m going to look at countries that are culturally similar to Norway, to figure out what policy makers in Norway can do differently to enhance our 15-year-olds’ abilities in math.
– I’m using a method called Oaxaca-Blinder Decomposition. With this method, I can essentially see which of my variables contribute to the average difference we see in the math achievement score between the countries I have selected. I can also see to which degree, and with which effect these variables contribute.
What is it like to study at an international programme in your own country?
– We become good friends. As a Norwegian, at least at my age, I have my friend group separately from university, but when you are in an international environment, all these people have come to Norway alone and are seeking out stable, good friendships. This is their social network. So, I too am included in this tight knit unit that we have become.
Favourite aspect of the programme?
– Firstly, being in an environment where you feel a part of something special because everyone at the centre is an expert in their field.
– Secondly, the people. Not many people find this interesting. And I’m excited to see which areas of society I will find my fellow students again in 20 years. Who wrote a book? Who only works in IT and makes all the money? You know?
I’m excited to see where we will end up.
Do you have any tips for new students?
– Familiarise yourself with Finn.no. That’s what I tell all the international students. We did a presentation where we informed the international first year students about everything that’s important to know in Oslo, and Finn.no is on top of the list: For housing, jobs, stuff... We are students! We need free stuff!
– You should also volunteer through the student organisations. It is so easy to get isolated and the student volunteer groups are perfect for this: Anything you like you can find right here at UiO
You can find out more about the Master's in Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation programme on UiOs website.