Mukuka Joseph
PhD Candidate, Applied Linguistics
University of Zambia – School of Education
Innlandet University of Applied Sciences, Norway
Duration: 3 Months
- Introduction
My name is Joseph Mukuka, a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at the University of
Zambia, School of Education. I spent three months at Innlandet University of Applied
Sciences in Norway under the PhD Mobility Programme. The purpose of my stay was to
strengthen my research capacity, broaden my academic exposure, and advance my
doctoral project within an internationally supportive academic environment. - Academic Experiences
During my stay, I engaged in a wide range of academic activities. I participated in
intensive courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, which enhanced my
understanding of research design, data analysis, and academic argumentation. I also
attended classes on inclusion and digitalisation, where I engaged deeply with concepts
such as epistemic injustice and the pedagogy of discomfort. Another important course
was Multilingual and Multicultural Pedagogies, which was directly relevant to my
research on deaf learners in multilingual classrooms. The course provided critical insights
into how linguistic diversity and cultural backgrounds shape participation,
communication, and learning opportunities for students. It highlighted strategies for
creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that recognize and value
learners’ linguistic and cultural repertoires, which was invaluable for framing my
research, interpreting field observations, and developing recommendations to enhance
inclusion and equity for deaf learners.
Class Presentation
In the Future Lab
- Conferences and Research Project
I also participated in conferences focusing on inclusion, AI in education, minority issues,
and digital transformation, which widened my perspective on global research trends. A
major highlight was the co-supervision I received on my PhD project. Through
supervision meetings, presentations, and feedback sessions, I refined my research
questions, strengthened my conceptual framework, and improved the methodological
clarity of my dissertation. The library resources and strong internet connectivity further
supported my literature review and overall research progress. - Professional and Cultural Experiences
Beyond academics, I had meaningful professional and cultural experiences. A
particularly transformative moment was visiting a school for deaf learners in Oslo, where
students confidently presented using multimodal communication, demonstrating the
pedagogy of discomfort. I also participated in social events such as international student
gatherings and concerts, which enriched my cultural understanding and helped me build a
sense of community.
Figure 2 International Party
- Challenges
Despite the many benefits of my mobility experience, I faced some challenges. Language
barriers affected social interactions outside school, making it sometimes difficult to fully
engage in informal gatherings and cultural events. Limited digital literacy, particularly with
platforms such as Microsoft Teams/Meet, caused delays in joining virtual classes, accessing
materials, and participating fully in class activities. Nevertheless, support from supervisors,
staff, and fellow students enabled me to adapt and continue progressing academically. - Conclusion
Overall, my three-month mobility experience at Innlandet University was academically
rewarding, professionally empowering, and personally enriching. I gained advanced
research skills, expanded my theoretical perspectives, and developed greater confidence
as a researcher. The knowledge, exposure, and networks I acquired will significantly
shape the direction of my doctoral work and contribute meaningfully to my future
academic career.
Language, Literacy and Learning in Multilingual Classrooms 