Why, how, and under what social conditions do children, adolescents, and adults learn? What biographical backgrounds and individual prerequisites do they bring with them? How and in which institutions can their learning and educational efforts be supported and guided by professional educators? What theoretical considerations and educational concepts form the basis for this? And finally: how can learning and educational processes be scientifically investigated? The bachelor's program in Educational Science provides answers to these and many other questions. Across a total of 15 modules, it explores educational, learning, and developmental processes throughout the entire lifespan. The program reflects both the breadth of the field of Educational Science and a distinctive Frankfurt profile.
Students begin by familiarizing themselves with foundational knowledge of educational theories and research methods, examining the history of education and learning, and exploring professional pedagogical practices in various non-school career fields. They then choose a focus from three life stages and deepen their previously acquired knowledge. The program also includes hands-on training and courses from related disciplines, such as sociology and educational psychology.
The Frankfurt profile is characterized by a strong focus on research, which is not only featured in dedicated modules on research methods but is also integrated across all course offerings. Additionally, it emphasizes the thematic focus on "Dealing with Difference" (examining aspects such as social status, gender, migration, and disability) and, most notably, the concept of "Pedagogy of Life Stages." In two modules, the "career field-related studies," students engage with the life stages of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, as well as the organizations/institutions, target groups, and forms of action and intervention associated with them.
The "Pedagogy of Life Stages" concept enables students to consider both the individual as a recipient of education and learning and the entire education system with its diverse institutions and practices. Furthermore, this approach allows for the integration of currently debated topics in educational science into the curriculum.