Anke Heyder

Anke Heyder is a Researcher at the Department of Education and Psychology, Free University of Berlin, specializing in the Division of Educational Research with Particular Consideration of Heterogeneity and Education. She has held research positions since 2010 at the University of Heidelberg, University of Cologne, and Freie Universität Berlin, focusing on gender dynamics in educational settings and academic disparities.

Education:

• Diplom in Psychology, University of Heidelberg (2010)
• Dr. phil., Freie Universität Berlin (2015; Dissertation: "Mehr als Erwartungen und Werte: Zur Rolle von Stereotypen für den differenziellen Schulerfolg von Mädchen und Jungen")

Heyder's research centers on educational disparities, particularly gender-based academic achievement gaps. Her work examines how stereotypes about masculinity and femininity influence student engagement, classroom behavior, and teacher perceptions. She investigates implicit gender stereotyping of school environments, self-concept development, and motivational factors affecting boys' underperformance. Her studies often apply expectancy-value models to analyze subject-specific gender differences in mathematics and language education.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on gender identity's interaction with academic engagement. Key trends include experimental studies on how masculine enactments trigger teacher stereotypes, differential impacts of disruptive behavior on boys' and girls' popularity, and validation of theoretical models explaining gender disparities. Her work bridges educational psychology and social psychology, emphasizing practical implications for inclusive teaching practices and stereotype mitigation.

Scientific Awards:

• Dissertationspreis der Fachgruppe Pädagogische Psychologie (2015)

Heyder has contributed to significant research projects on educational program evaluation, philanthropy in school improvement, and gender-inclusive pedagogy. Her collaborative work with Ulrike Kessels and other researchers demonstrates strong interdisciplinary partnerships. While specific grant details aren't provided, her sustained research output across multiple institutions indicates consistent project funding. She actively participates in major conferences including EARLI, DGPs, and AERA, presenting findings that inform educational policy and practice.

As part of the Division of Educational Research at Freie Universität Berlin, Heyder collaborates within a specialized team investigating heterogeneity in education. Her work contributes to the department's research agenda on inclusive education, school burnout, and shifting standards in stereotype evaluation, directly impacting teacher training and classroom intervention strategies.