Research Focus
Family-based processes of learning and instruction and educational inequalities
As part of our first research focus, we look at processes of learning and instruction in families and ask which family-based mechanisms lead to educational inequalities linked to social backgrounds. A particular focus is on the interactions between home and school that arise during the transition from primary to secondary school and in the context of parental homework help.
School-based processes of learning and instruction and educational inequalities
Our second research area focuses on processes of learning and instruction that are related to the emergence and persistence of educational inequalities. In particular, we investigate the consequences of tracking and student-body composition for students’ achievement and motivational development. We also investigate the extent to which teacher judgements are biased depending on students’ family background.
Adaptive teaching
The subject of our third research focus is adaptive teaching. In close cooperation with school-based practitioners, we generate knowledge about school and lesson development with regard to dealing with student heterogeneity. The central aim is to determine how teaching can be adapted to meet individual needs so that students can reach their maximum potential regardless of their family background.