14.04.2025

Use data for the education system!

Data-based education transformation in Germany as the key to better learning outcomes – impulse paper on the digital transformation of the education system quotes LEAD researchers.

A policy paper by the Vodafone Foundation and the Weizenbaum Institute addresses the digital transformation of the education system and how this process can become more successful through data-driven approaches. The paper is based on an analysis of international and national uses of educational data, current research literature, as well as interviews with education experts, school practitioners, and administrative professionals. Among those featured in the publication are LEAD Co-Director Prof. Dr. Ulrike Cress and LEAD member Prof. Dr. Detmar Meurers, head of the Language and AI in Education research group.

The policy paper presents five key areas of action with 100 concrete recommendations for education policy, administration, and practice. The conclusion: Germany needs a forward-looking educational data ecosystem that enables all stakeholders to work toward common goals, identify needs for action at an early stage, and take targeted and effective measures. 

Data for Research as a Foundation for Improvement

Ulrike Cress highlights the importance of data for quality assurance in education: “For quality assurance, we need comparable data, especially to be able to observe developments given different starting points and to evaluate the impact of such measures.” 

Detmar Meurers also emphasizes the relevance of data for research: “It’s not primarily about digitalization but about addressing specific challenges. ... Only if we have data can research improve things.”

Policy Paper