Institut für Schulentwicklungsforschung

What makes a school thrive? Here at the Institut für Schulentwicklungsforschung (IFS), that question echoes through the halls. This research institute, nestled within the Technische Universität Dortmund, isn’t just a building. It’s a hub of inquiry, a place where researchers delve into the complexities of education. The IFS, established in 1973, initially known as the Arbeitsstelle für Schulentwicklungsforschung, has evolved into one of Germany’s largest educational research institutions. Its mission is clear: understand, explain, and enhance learning and development. The IFS isn’t confined to theoretical musings. It tackles real-world challenges. The institute plays a vital role in prominent studies like IGLU (International Primary School Reading Study) and NEPS (National Educational Panel Study). These studies provide valuable insights into student performance and the factors that influence it. Within the IFS, approximately 50 dedicated researchers, primarily from education, psychology, sociology, and statistics, collaborate on various projects. They explore how teaching and learning interact, how individual development unfolds within school settings, and how data science can unlock new understandings of education. The IFS, under the leadership of Nele McElvany, doesn’t operate in isolation. It actively engages with the broader community through events like the Dortmund Symposium of Empirical Educational Research and the IFS Virtual Keynote Series. These gatherings foster dialogue and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The IFS also recognizes the importance of bridging research and practice. It offers resources like the Praxisportal and a video portal to make its findings accessible to educators and the public. The Institut für Schulentwicklungsforschung has played a crucial role in shaping educational policy and practice in Germany. Its 50th anniversary in 2023 marked a milestone in its journey of illuminating the path toward better education. The IFS stands as a testament to the power of research to transform schools and empower learners.