Alex Schenkels

Alex Schenkels serves as a Lecturer in Philosophy and Sociology at Fontys University of Applied Sciences for Education since 2014 and is a PhD candidate at Tilburg University since 2019, affiliated with the DOH research group. His expertise spans qualitative methodologies, participatory action research, and religious studies with specialized focus on Islamic pedagogy.

He holds a Master's degree in Humanities with specialization in worldview education, where his thesis examined knowledge co-construction between researchers and primary school teachers in Special Needs Education contexts. This foundational work informs his current pedagogical approach.

Schenkels' research centers on the intersection of religious diversity, educational practice, and parenting frameworks. He developed and supervises Fontys' third-year module 'Parenting, Philosophy of Life & Diversity,' which engages students with real-world religious parenting challenges through guest lectures from diverse faith-based organizations. His methodological strengths include digital ethnography and collaborative action research.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on action research applications in educational settings, particularly examining Islamic parenting practices within neoliberal societal structures. His work bridges theoretical religious studies with practical pedagogical implementation, emphasizing co-constructed knowledge development between researchers and practitioners.

Affiliated with Tilburg University's DOH research group, Schenkels contributes to the Lectorate of Diversity and (Ortho-)pedagogical Action through his ongoing 'Intensive Islamic Parenting' project (2019-present), which investigates contemporary Muslim parenting strategies using ethnographic approaches.