The range of research comprised aspects such as inclusive foreign language classes, education for sustainable development in non-school educational institutions, democracy education and participation as well as psychological projects supporting young people with special needs in their cognitive and linguistic development in the transitional phase from school to professional life. Furthermore, the researchers investigated questions regarding quality criteria and framework conditions for history and music lessons and fundamental topics such as inclusion and educational justice. During the project period, students compiled approx. 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s theses on the topic of inclusion, as well as 16 doctoral theses and four habilitation theses. This list also includes the theses that are currently written in the context of the research training group “Inklusive Bildung” (inclusive education) that was founded in 2018. The joint project not only had the aim of expanding on research and networking activities but also of promoting early-career researchers. During the project period, the KU also launched its new Master’s degree program in “Community Music” that approaches inclusion from a music-educational context. Furthermore, it developed an open course offer on inclusion and participation for the Bavarian Virtual University.
“Inclusion is an omnipresent concept that often conveys the impression of being self-evident. But there are still many unanswered questions. Although the project draws to a close, we will continue our work in this field”, emphasized KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien, and thanked the Freising Bishops’ Conference for their trust in the project. The provided funding of 2.75 million euros contributed to the successful acquisition of further subsidies in the amount of approx. four million euros. In addition, the project succeeded in integrating the topic of inclusion more firmly within the KU’s university teaching practice. The research associates’ positions were deliberately designed in a way that the topic was also reflected in the teaching practice of the involved subject areas. “It would have been impossible to cover this wide diversity without this joint project”, says Dr. Regina Weißmann, who is a research associate for the joint project.
The research association from Eichstätt does not merely see itself as the sum of the sub-projects and the joint work on fundamental questions of inclusion. “The group also gives room for experimentation for interdisciplinary collaboration”, explains Schreiber. She says, this becomes evident especially in collegial coaching and advice provided by renowned researchers from the field of inclusion in national and international contexts who serve as “critical friends” for the project.
More detailed information on the joint project and its sub-projects is available on the project website.