Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology

Research Hub: Educational Effectiveness

What is the aim of the Research Hub Educational Effectiveness?
Our aim is to understand how education systems can fulfill their educational mission as effectively as possible. To achieve this, we analyze the competencies acquired by students, conduct longitudinal studies on educational pathways, and evaluate educational reforms.

How can schools benefit from this research?
These findings are highly relevant for education policy and administration, as they not only provide scientific insights but often also offer direct implications for practice. Research on Educational Effectiveness thus contributes to promoting evidence-based approaches in education and supports decision-making in educational matters through well-founded data and analyses.

HUB-Responsibles

Prof. Dr. Benjamin Nagengast
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Trautwein

Recent Publications

  • Fleischmann, M., Hübner, N., Marsh, H.W., Guo, J., Trautwein, U., & Nagengast, B. (2022). Which class matters? Juxtaposing multiple class environments as frames-of-reference for academic self-concept formation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(1), 127-143. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000491
  • Hübner, N., Spengler, M., Nagengast, B., Borghans, L., Schils, T., & Trautwein, U. (2022). When academic achievement (also) reflects personality: Using the personality-achievement saturation hypothesis (PASH) to explain differential associations between achievement measures and personality traits. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(2), 326–345. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000571
  • Zitzmann, S., Wagner, W., Hecht, M., Helm, C., Fischer, C., Bardach, L., & Göllner, R. (2022). How many classes and students should ideally be sampled when assessing the role of classroom climate via student ratings on a limited budget? An optimal design perspective. Educational Psychology Review, 34, 511–536. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09635-4

Selected projects

TOSCAneo
TOSCAneo examines the upper secondary education at vocational high schools compared to the upper secondary levels at comprehensive schools and general high schools. The study focuses on students' starting learning conditions, their retention within the initial phase, and a longitudinal analysis of learning trajectories.

Zeitzeug:innenprojekt
The project investigates the impact of interviews with eyewitnesses in history education on students' historical competencies, factual knowledge, and interest in history. Eyewitnesses are often perceived as more credible than written sources, which makes their use both exciting and risky.