Matthias Vonken

Matthias Vonken is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education at the University of Erfurt since 2016. He has been affiliated with the University of Erfurt's Faculty of Education since 2004, where he earned his doctorate, and has held leadership roles in vocational education since 2009. His research focuses on pedagogical action theory, competence theory, and vocational didactics, with an emphasis on democratic principles in vocational training.

His publications span topics like inclusive vocational education, competence development in aging workforces, and comparative education systems. He explores how life-world perspectives and biographical development intersect with educational outcomes, particularly in adult and continuing education contexts. Recent works analyze challenges in distance learning during pandemics and curriculum design for inclusion.

He leads initiatives in lifelong learning and workforce aging strategies, contributing to European research projects like Leonardo-da-Vinci. His methodological approach combines empirical research with theoretical frameworks in sociology and educational science. He has also collaborated on projects addressing qualifying disadvantaged groups and innovative teaching methods in vocational settings.