As part of University of Hannover with around 26,035 students enrolled and 1.300 staff, the overall aim of the Research Group Civic Education of the Institute for didactics of democracy is to enable both young people and adults to acquire key skills and competences necessary for active citizenship and participation at all levels of social and political life.

The research group offers a wide range of teacher in-service and induction trainings covering all aspects of citizenship education in teaching and learning. The trainings are offered on university-level as well as on national and European level.

The Research Group “Citizenship Education” has a strong record in developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including various projects that apply, adapt and test – in concrete learning situations – tools and policy approaches. We have a lot of expertise in the development and implementation of curricula, of national and international trainings and workshops for teachers and educational staff as well as in the development of educational materials and textbooks on civic education issues. Project expertise includes the development and coordination of several Erasmus plus Strategic partnership projects.

The Research Group consist of about 14 researchers and practitioners who focus on identifying and developing the integration of the European dimension in teaching and learning. The staff consist of PhD-students, Post-Docs, Teachers, Professors. Their focus is on improving civic education for persons with migrant background and promoting gender equality and inclusive approaches to civic education, including intergenerational learning and cooperative learning.

Our objective is to stimulate people’s motivation and sense of initiative and to develop their civic, social, learning-to-learn and entrepreneurial skills. We have a strong record in developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including various projects that apply, adapt and test – in concrete learning situations – tools and policy approaches. We have a lot of expertise in the development and implementation of curricula, of national and international trainings and workshops for teachers and educational staff as well as in the development of educational materials and textbooks on civic education issues.

Professor Dirk Lange, PhD, is head of department of civic education. He is member of the editorial board of the journal “Praxis Politik” (Politics in context ) and head of the “German Association for Civic Education” (DVPB), an association of teachers, scientists and adult educationalists who are committed to civic education and democracy.