In an extensive program with 25 lectures in 10 sessions and 22 poster presentations, numerous different disciplinary perspectives came into play. "A special feature and strength of the AESF is its multidisciplinarity," emphasized LIfBi director Prof. Dr. Cordula Artelt in her welcoming speech. Accordingly, the different perspectives of the members of the working group would lead to a multifaceted conference program.
From methodology to teaching practice
What the scientists had in common was that they approached questions from the field of special education research empirically. Methodological aspects, such as the development of instruments or the use of specific analysis tools for data evaluation, were thus also a focus of the exchange.
In addition to the methodology, aspects of teaching practice were also the subject of many conference contributions. The spectrum ranged from teacher training and the use of digital media to questions of inclusion and support in everyday practice.
Link [external] to the conference proceedings (PDF)
Link [external] to the poster pitch (PDF)
Workshop for young researchers
The pre-conference in the form of a workshop with Prof. Dr. Alla Sawatzky from the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Cologne was aimed at young researchers who want to conduct special educational and empirical research. They gained an insight into the general data analysis of typical special education research questions, but also on how to deal with specific challenges such as small sample sizes or non-normally distributed data. The interactive workshop offered a variety of practice opportunities, food for thought and space for exchange, questions and discussion regarding one's own research questions and approaches.
Culture and culinary delights in Bamberg
The framework program led the conference participants to a social evening in Bamberg’s oldest tavern and on a tour with the night watchman through the alleys of the Unesco World Heritage Site. After the end of the conference, AESF member and co-organizer Lena Nusser from LIfBi was pleased with the lively participation and the positive feedback from the participants: "The first event organized jointly by LIfBi and the University of Cologne was a great success. I would especially like to thank Matthias Grünke and his team for the collegial cooperation.”
About the AESF
The Arbeitsgruppe Empirische Sonderpädagogische Forschung (AESF) is an association of empirically working scientists in the German-speaking area. The AESF meets twice a year for conferences to exchange information on the current research of its members.