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Astrid Poorthuis is an Associate Professor in the Developmental Psychology program at Utrecht University. Her research interests focus on the social-emotional aspects of learning and performance in educational settings. She investigates the psychological impact of grades, including transitions from primary to secondary school and the dynamics within classroom social interactions. Poorthuis aims to explore school practices concerning grading and the implications for children's and adolescents' emotions, self-perceptions, identity, and their engagement in school. Current projects led by Poorthuis include examining high expectations and performance pressures in primary education, adolescents' causal attributions regarding emotional responses to success and failure, and the effects of grading on school engagement. She also investigates peer relations and the influence of academic reputation among peers. As a Teaching Innovation Ambassador, she emphasizes the importance of high-quality assessments and active learning in educational practices. Poorthuis teaches at various levels, including bachelor and master's programs in Psychology and supervises students at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.
Department of Psychology