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Dr. Manuel Hubacher

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter

Laufende Projekte

PB-Tools Plus: Interactive learning environment for education and training in civic education

PB-Tools Plus is a development project that supports teachers in the introduction of civic education. As part of the project, e-lessons are being created which (prospective) teachers can use to obtain low-threshold information about issues and approaches to civic education.

Abgeschlossene Projekte

Scientific study accompanying the simulation game “SpielPolitik!”

Simulation games in political education are expected to be highly effective for learning. Simulation games provide a space for experimentation in negotiation processes, compromise-finding, and voting. Positive findings regarding the effectiveness of simulation games for political learning at secondary levels have been found with regard to knowledge, but little is known about the quality of debates. The planned accompanying scientific study aims to record the gains in knowledge and skills within the framework of a longitudinal study (pre-/post-/and possibly follow-up). A particular concern is to record the quality of argumentation and debating demonstrated in parliamentary group and committee meetings as well as in National Council debates in collaboration with the teachers involved and to jointly reflect on teaching support strategies. The data collection includes video recordings and observation protocols as well as a questionnaire to assess students’ knowledge and interest. In conjunction with each other, these insights also allow conclusions to be drawn about the learning effectiveness of the simulation game. The findings will be used, firstly, to ensure the quality of the simulation game “SpielPolitik!” (Play Politics!) and, secondly, to provide insight into the long-term effectiveness of simulation games in political education. Findings on the long-term effectiveness of educational offerings in political education are a major research desideratum both internationally and nationally. Secondly, sample videos on debating and scientific findings will be made available for teacher training and continuing education.