The collaborative project "Feasibility Study for a Monitor of Civic Education" analyses the technical and statistical preconditions for a periodic report on civic education in Germany. Such a data-based and criteria-driven monitor is intended to provide information about the state of civic education across various educational sectors. Among its aims is enabling evidence-based decisions for effective improvements in education policy and practice.

The project is conducted in cooperation with colleagues from the universities of Bielefeld, Cologne and Frankfurt a.M.. At the University of Duisburg-Essen, the focus lies specifically on civic education in higher education.

Responsible Persons at UDE:

- Prof. Dr. Hermann Josef Abs

- Dr. Daniel Deimel (2025)

- Lucy Husche M.A. (2021-2025)

Background of the Project

In light of increasing authoritarian trends worldwide and declining trust in established democracies, policy makers see a high relevance for civic education as a means of strengthening the resilience of democratic societies. Civic education is increasingly being recognized as serving a crisis intervention role, yet necessary improvements in staffing, structural frameworks, and funding are often lacking. Addressing these challenges requires a systematic examination of civic education structures to support political, administrative, and civil society actors with an evidence-based foundation.

To date, such recurring reporting on civic education in Germany has been lacking. Although some isolated studies exist, a lack of evidence is frequently criticised in public educational debates.

What is a "Monitor of Civic Education"?

The research project "Feasibility Study for a Monitor of Civic Education" aims to develop a recurring report on civic education in Germany. This report will, for the first time, comprehensively analyse civic education in different educational sectors based on data and defined criteria. Indicators derived from regular data collection and time-series analysis form the basis for tracking developments in civic education over the long term. Areas examined include:

- General and vocational schools,

- Higher education institutions,

- The second and third phases of teacher education,

- Non-formal educational settings.

The project emphasizes the provision and preparation of relevant data, enabling evidence-based governance of civic education processes. Besides offering insights into current developments, the monitor also identifies existing data deficits and initiates further studies. Through this systematic approach, the monitor aims to make civic education more transparent and targeted, highlighting its significance as a core element of democratic societies.

Who is the target audience for the Monitor of Civic Education?

The monitor specifically addresses those involved in shaping civic education: providers of school and non-school programs, researchers, educational policymakers, administrative staff, and civil society organizations. For policymakers, the monitor provides evidence-based opportunities for reflection and management, while helping civic education providers further develop their offerings. Moreover, by identifying data gaps, the monitor encourages further empirical studies and analyses in civic education, thus contributing to continuous development in the field.

What does the feasibility study examine?

The feasibility study assesses which data and indicators are currently available, identifies gaps, and explores how these gaps can be addressed. Specifically, it aims to:

- Define critical aspects of civic education to be monitored,

- Identify existing and potentially usable data sources,

- Evaluate the feasibility of regular data collection and indicator construction.

Research Design of the Feasibility Study

The study identifies sector-specific information needs for each of the four educational areas and examines relevant quantitative data—such as institutional and personnel conditions (e.g., accessibility of offerings, educator qualifications), educational processes (e.g., allocated time for civic education, participation rates), and outcomes (e.g., political knowledge, civic engagement). The goal is to identify key aspects to include in a future civic education monitor, providing an evidence-based foundation for developing this crucial educational area.

How is civic education implemented in higher education?

The UDE team focuses on higher education, which seamlessly connects to school education and plays a key role in shaping an informed and engaged citizenry. Universities train future teachers for civic education and equip future non-formal civic educators with relevant qualifications. Beyond formal teaching and research, universities serve as institutionalized spaces for reflection and development of civic education. Students are politically socialized through campus engagement (informal learning) or participation in civic education events (non-formal education).

While general civic education for all students is considered, the primary focus is on the academic training of future multipliers of civic education, especially teachers of school-based civic education. This includes institutional, thematic, organizational foundations, resources, and outcomes. Universities thus ensure an adequate supply of qualified teaching personnel for schools.

Indicator Development

At the structural opportunities level, the study examines conditions such as funding and educational content for training multipliers. The process level investigates students’ characteristics (e.g., sociodemographics, attitudes, dropout intentions). Outcome-level indicators address graduation rates and the impact of higher education-based civic education on students’ civic engagement and political interests.

Project Duration

- Start: 01.10.2021

- Expected End: 31.12.2025

- Publication of Project Report: 10.06.2025

Additional Project Partners:

Financial Support

The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb).

Report

Pilot monitor political education

Further Reading

Abs, H. J., Engartner, T., Hedtke, R., Oberle, M., Geloneck, P., Heijens, M., Hellmich, N., Hulkovych, V., Huschle, L., & Wasenitz, S. (Eds.). (in press). Pilot monitor of civic education: Indicators for data-based reporting [Original title: Pilotmonitor politische Bildung. Indikatoren zur datengestützten Berichterstattung]. Bonn: Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb).

Abs, H. J., Engartner, T., Hedtke, R., Oberle, M., et al. (2024).Development of a monitoring for civic education in Germany [Original title: Entwicklung eines Monitorings für die politische Bildung in Deutschland]. In: Albers, Andrea/Jude, Nina (Eds.). Blickpunkt Bildungsmonitoring – Bilanzen und Perspektiven. Juventa Verlag: Weinheim, pp. 241-263. URL: https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/95800