Laborschule Bielefeld: Doing teacher research in an embryonic society

Abstract: In this chapter, educators from Laborschule Bielefeld as well as researchers from its Research Unit present the school. For context, they begin with an introduction to the fairly complex German school system before tracing Laborschule’s origins. Regarding Laborschule’s manifold research activities, they first outline the structures and processes that have been developed over the last decades. In a second step, they draw on the research principles of laboratory schools outlined in the introduction to illustrate the school’s research approach. To paint a vivid picture of the school, they will outline its pedagogical concept, introduce several elements of democratic education, and illustrate how this comes to life at the different key stages of Laborschule. They end by reflecting on current developments and challenges as well as by taking a look at the school’s future. (DIPF/Orig.)