Development of teaching resources for political education and further development of “SpielPolitik!”
In our development work, we take into account the learning objectives of the new curricula for elementary schools and secondary level II (high schools and vocational schools). With the expansion of the PB-Tools online resource, we provide information and materials for political education on current social issues and key topics, with a focus on secondary levels I and II. The published materials reflect the latest specialist and didactic knowledge and, insofar as they originate from our own research projects, have been empirically tested on the target group. We are currently planning to expand the range of materials on the fundamentals of democratic systems and democratic values.
People from all three departments of the Centre for Democracy Studies Aarau are involved in developing the teaching materials and contribute their expertise. The practical project “SpielPolitik!” supports teachers in teaching political education and enables school classes from all language regions of Switzerland to exchange views on political issues and develop solutions in debates at the Federal Parliament in Bern. Together with experts, teachers, and students, we will further develop the program in the current period from 2026 to 2029 and adapt it for students and classes at the basic level. This work is related to approaches to diversity-sensitive political education that aim to promote and support the constructive handling of diversity in our society.
Projects
Development of didactically high-quality materials with background information for political 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.
Einer der wichtigsten Schlüssel zur eigenständigen politischen Meinungsbildung ist das Erkennen und Verstehen von Machtstrukturen –in analogen wie in digitalen Interaktionen. Mithilfe von Gruppen-und Einzelgesprächen mit Jugendlichen zwischen 12 und 18 Jahren wollen wir Erkenntnisse über die politische Meinungsbildung von jungen Menschen im digitalen Raum gewinnen. Besonderes Augenmerkliegt dabei auf dem Wissen über und das Bewusstsein für die Machtstrukturen und -verhältnisse, die in den digitalen Kommunikations-und Informationskanälen verankert sind. Ansporn für das Projekt ist die bisher noch eher dünne theoretische Grundlage für Themen der Digitalisierung und Politischer Bildung sowie die fehlende Auseinandersetzung mit Fragen der Macht im digitalen Raum.
The “SpielPolitik!” simulation game helps participating classes and teachers at lower secondary level to get to know the process of consultation and decision-making in a theoretical and practical way using the example of launching a “popular initiative”.
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.