5 Questions answered…

5 Questions answered…

… by our author Prof Dr Ludwig Stecher

1. What will be the main challenge for your research field in the coming years?

My special field of interest and what most of my research projects currently are focused on is the field of extracurricular and out-of-school time educational research — in short, educational research on Extended Education. One major challenge is building stronger theoretical frameworks that connect informal learning settings with formal school outcomes, while also addressing growing demands for evidence-based policy in this area.

2. What recent developments in your field do you find most promising?

The increasing international collaboration and comparative research on extended education programmes is particularly encouraging. Journals such as the International Journal for Research on Extended Education (IJREE) are helping to establish a shared discourse across different national contexts.

3. How do you see the relationship between research and practice evolving?

There is a growing recognition that practitioners in after-school and extended education settings need access to research findings in accessible formats. This creates opportunities for publishers to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and professional application.

4. What advice would you give to early-career researchers in your field?

Engage with the international community early. Attend conferences, submit to journals, and seek out collaborative projects. The field of extended education is still developing its identity, and early-career researchers have a real chance to shape its direction.

5. What are you working on next?

Several projects are underway examining how extended education programmes can support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a particular focus on the German context and comparative perspectives across Europe.