Axel Föller-Mancini

Prof. Dr. Axel Föller-Mancini is a Professor of Qualitative Methods in Educational Research at the Department of Educational Science, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. His roles include leading research on qualitative methodologies, case studies, and child development. He has held positions such as Junior Professor (2014–2018) and has been an Assistant Research Associate at the University of Witten/Herdecke. He obtained his Dr. philos. from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 2011. Föller-Mancini has extensive teaching experience, including as a teacher at the Herdecke Community Hospital School from 1990 to 2014. His research focuses on qualitative methods, case reconstructions in education, and developmental phases in middle childhood, particularly the 'Rubicon' phenomenon. He edits the German section of RoSE: Research on Steiner Education and leads projects evaluating educational institutions in Brazil and Germany. His work bridges theoretical philosophy with practical pedagogical applications, emphasizing holistic education and anthroposophical principles.

Education

• 1978–1982: Studium der Waldorfpädagogik (Institut für Waldorfpädagogik, Germany)
• 1988–1993: Part-time Philosophy Studies (Ruhr University Bochum)
• 2005–2007: Master's in Educational Action Research (RSUC, Norway)
• 2011: Ph.D. in Educational Science (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)

Research Interests

Föller-Mancini's work centers on qualitative research methods, case studies in education, and developmental psychology in childhood. Key themes include the Rubicon concept (middle childhood identity formation), institutional evaluations, and Waldorf pedagogy’s role in fostering holistic education. His studies often integrate philosophical frameworks (e.g., Steiner’s theories) with empirical data.

Current Projects

He leads research on social space utilization in São Paulo’s CEUs (educational-cultural centers) and evaluates school-choice motivations among Waldorf alumni. Collaborative projects with Mackenzie University (Brazil) examine educational impacts on families in favela communities.

Advising & Grants

• Completed doctoral supervisees: Lulzim Dragidella (2021), Larissa Beckel (2021), Susanne Hartmann (2019)
• Current: Anabell Dreber (since 2022)

Labs/Teams

His research group focuses on qualitative methodologies and interdisciplinary educational studies, often collaborating with institutions like the Bundesverband Anthropoi and international universities.