Fields of action in the Framework Programm

The current Framework Programme for Empirical Educational Research focuses on major societal challenges that also affect the education system. It promotes research projects in the following four current fields of action

Cooperation for High-Quality Education

Zahnräder

Adobe Stock/Alphaspirit

The aim of research in this field of action is to gain a better interdisciplinary understanding of the interconnections, interfaces and obstacles to cooperation. In this way, solutions can be developed for the challenges at the various levels of action of the education system. Cooperation between relevant stakeholders helps to improve conditions for educational institutions and for other settings where teaching and learning occurs. To foster cross-institutional cooperation, the Federal Ministry for Education (BMBFSFJ) is committed to bringing different people and groups together, either directly or through targeted funding formats.

Living and Learning in a Digital World

Junge Frau im Rollstuhl lernt digital

Adobe Stock/logopiks_generiert mit KI

This field of action aims to examine the potential and success factors, but also the challenges and limitations associated with digitisation and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. New requirements and opportunities arise from the rapidly advancing development of AI. So far, questions on how AI can be used and utilised to promote learning in the future, as well as consequences for educational equity and social interaction, have been largely unexplored.
It is also necessary to investigate which skills and knowledge are needed in a digital world and how they can be taught and acquired. Institutions of early childhood education need to play a role in preparing children for a digital world. Developmentally appropriate digital media education that starts early in life is therefore becoming increasingly important.

Key Competencies and Future Skills

Männchen aus Papier unter der Lupe

Adobe Stock/Weerapat Wattanapichayakul

The aim of this field of action is to provide broad insights into how key competencies and future skills can be promoted at every age - both at an individual and an institutional level.
Learners need knowledge, skills and values to be able to responsibly shape their own lives and communities in an increasingly complex, volatile and uncertain world. These future competences or 21st century skills usually comprise critical thinking, creativity, digital competences, communication and cooperation as well as social-emotional competences. Through systematic research and evidence-based approaches, educational research is set to substantially contribute to a better understanding of these skills, to integrate them into the educational process and to support their development. Key issues also include the identification of future competencies and how they can be systematically assessed.

Diversity and Social Cohesion

Adobe Stock/oneinchpunch

Equal opportunities in education and participation can only be achieved if all people can receive an education in line with their abilities - regardless of their personality, talents, social background, family migration history, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, worldview, physical and mental health, and any disabilities or impairments.
By funding research in this field of action, the Federal Ministry for Education (BMBFSFJ) contributes to create a consistently inclusive and diversity-sensitive education system that does justice to the  individual starting points and living conditions of all learners. The aim is to enable individual educational success for all, to secure basic skills and to remove barriers, while at the same time strengthening social inclusion and social learning in the community. Of interest are questions regarding suitable concepts for dealing with heterogeneity in learning groups and regarding the professionalisation of teachers and other educational personnel as well as questions about the framework conditions required for success.
The funded research is intended to help describe and pursue ways to combat discrimination, to convey acceptance of other opinions and lifestyles, and thus to contribute to strengthening the basis of our democratic society.