Program Summer Term 2026
Author: Dwayne Lieck (PhD Student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: Benchmark-BS-Bingo – Examining Effect Size Practices in Educational Research
Abstract: Educational researchers commonly utilize statistics to draw inferences from data, with the p-value asserting itself as the most dominant inferential statistic in the last century. But there have long been critiques concerning the use of statistics in educational research, with calls to utilize effect sizes specifically more heavily ranging back over 50 years. In this talk, we will first examine the current role and potential of effect sizes in educational research. Next, we will present the results from our meta-analysis of effect size practices in 100 papers published in top educational research journals. We examined how frequently effect sizes are reported, how frequently they are interpreted and crucially, in which ways they are interpreted. Finally, we will discuss our findings critically within the context of the methodological literature on statistical inference, and the specific features, values and goals of educational research.
Authors: Markus Dresel & Jana Spear (University of Augsburg)
Full Title: Lernen aus Fehlern in schulischen Kontexten: Affektiv-motivationale und aktionale Reaktionen als zentrale Konzepte
Abstract: Machen Schüler*innen Fehler im Lernaktivitäten, so birgt dies großes Lernpotenzial zur Überwindung von Fehlkonzepten, zum Aufbau von negativem Wissen und zur Selbststeuerung des Lernens. Gleichwohl bleibt dieses Potenzial von Lernenden vielfach ungenutzt und theoretisch darf Lernen aus Fehlern als voraussetzungsreich gelten. In unseren konzeptionellen Arbeiten schlagen wir hierzu vor, zwischen affektiv-motivationalen Reaktionen auf eigene Fehler sowie lernhandlungsbezogenen Reaktionen auf eigene Fehler zu unterscheiden (z.B. Dresel et al., 2013; Tulis, Steuer, & Dresel, 2016). Diese können als proximale Bedingungen des Lernzuwachses nach Fehler konzipiert werden, die ihrerseits von individuellen und kontextuellen Bedingungen abhängen (z.B. Einstellungen zu Fehlern, Fehlerklima im Unterricht). Der Vortrag gibt einen Überblick über grundlegende und neuere Forschungsarbeiten in diesem theoretischen Rahmen.
Author: Carina Roth (PhD Student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: More Than a Matter of Evidence — Cognitive Dissonance and the Psychology of Resisting (or Embracing) Scientific Sustainability Information
Abstract: Scientific information on climate change and sustainability is widely available, yet it’s availability alone does not ensure that individuals process it in an open and integrative manner. From a pedagogical-psychological perspective, the reception of such information constitutes a potential learning opportunity, that is fundamentally shaped by motivational and affective processes. This dissertation project investigates cognitive dissonance as a central mechanism in this context. Specifically, it examines how scientific information that reveal discrepancies between the values individuals report and their actual behavior can trigger an aversive psychological state, and how this state influences whether information is integrated, selectively processed, or defensively rejected. Across three planned experimental studies, the project addresses the elicitation of dissonance, the information-related regulation strategies that follow, and the role of information presentation in shaping these processes. The overarching goal is to better understand the psychological conditions under which scientific evidence can serve as a genuine learning opportunity.
Author: Nomindelger Jargalsaikhan (PhD student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: “Is the Future in the Room with Us?”: Connecting Future Relevance to Present Motivation Through Temporal Framing
Abstract: Motivation is inherently future-oriented, but how often do we see the future relevance of a present learning activity and how do we differ in our perception of the future time, and to what extent does it matter for our motivation and engagement. Motivational interventions often overlook the relevance of time and one’s personal view of the future. This PhD project examines these concepts by integrating Construal level theory (CLT), Future Time Perspective Theory (FTP) and Situated Expectancy-Value Theory (SEVT). A three-part study examines how temporally framing the future relevance of a learning task can influence motivation, behavioral intention and engagement moderated by one’s individual FTP, and within that aims to bridge theories to further develop an intervention for enhancing motivation through temporal framing across vocational and higher education contexts.
Author: Constantin Luttitz (PhD student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: “Be Better!” The Mental Game of a Golf Season: A Pilot Study of Dynamic Goal Pursuit, Cognitive Appraisals and Emotional Experience Among Aspiring Professionals
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Author: Takeshi Onodera (PhD student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: “Does a rising tide lift all boats?”: Unpacking the social dynamics of L2 motivational climates
Abstract: Motivation has long been recognised as central to second language (L2) learning, yet it is predominantly conceptualised as an individual phenomenon. This focus has left the role of classroom-level processes underexamined, despite growing recognition that motivation is socially situated. Consequently, how motivation evolves within classrooms remains insufficiently understood. Moreover, research on group-level motivation has largely been conducted in STEM education and WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) contexts, raising questions about its relevance to language education and diverse settings. This presentation outlines a proposed PhD project investigating motivational climate dynamics in L2 classrooms from a cross-cultural perspective. Drawing on motivational climate theory and a complex dynamic systems framework, the study will adopt a mixed-methods approach to examine how motivation is co-constructed through teacher practices, student interactions, and contextual factors in Japan and Germany. The project aims to offer valuable theoretical and practical implications for fostering adaptive learning environments.
Author: Vinzenz Benz (PhD student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: Hybrid Intelligence in education: Functional distribution of roles between humans and AI to support self-regulation
Abstract: Self‑regulation is widely recognised as critical for successful learning. In recent years, research on artificial intelligence in education has played a significant role in exploring opportunities in supporting self‑regulation. Most research has predominantly focused on technological affordances in isolation from human regulatory processes. In particular, AI‑supported self‑regulation is often conceptualised in tools or learning management systems without teacher participation. Consequently, how self‑regulation can be jointly supported through collaboration between teachers and AI systems remains insufficiently understood. This presentation outlines a proposed systematic review of hybrid intelligence for supporting self‑regulation in education. The review provides an overview of patterns in the distribution of tasks, functions and roles between teachers and AI based on an integrative self‑regulation framework. In doing so, the review provides a theoretical foundation for a PhD project that aims to design and evaluate an AI‑supported training intervention for supporting self‑regulation, focused on motivation, for students in vocational education.
Author: Ronja Steinhauser (University of Mannheim)
Full Title: Celebrating Success, Learning from Failure? – How Researchers Navigate Between Achievement and Well-Being
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Author: Timo Leuders (PH Freiburg)
Full Title: Forschung und Entwicklung zum Bruchverständnis – Einblicke in mathematikdidaktische Multiperspektivität
Abstract: Mit dem Bruchkonzept als rotem Faden bietet der Vortrag einen Überblick über zentrale Perspektiven und Arbeitsfelder mathematikdidaktischer Forschung: fachliche Klärung, Kognitionsforschung, Lehr-Lernforschung, Unterrichtsforschung und -entwicklung sowie Professionalisierungsforschung und -entwicklung. Anhand exemplarischer Fragestellungen, Studien und Befunde soll die Breite dieses Forschungsfeldes sichtbar werden – von grundlegenden Fragen mathematischen Denkens und Lernens bis hin zu curricularen, institutionellen und bildungspolitischen Kontexten. Zugleich thematisiert der Vortrag die besonderen Chancen, Spannungen und Herausforderungen fachdidaktischer Forschung.
Author: Wajeeha Nadeem (PhD student, University of Freiburg)
Full Title: Jack of All Goals, Master of None? Identity Integration and Motivation Under Multi-Domain Goal Conflict

