معرفی
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Hannes Schmalor serves as Junior Professor and Head of the Geography Didactics Group at the Ruhr University Bochum since October 2024. His academic career includes previous positions as Acting Professor of Geography Education at Ruhr University Bochum (April-September 2024) and Acting Professor for 'Geography and its Didactics' at the University of Trier (2022-2024). He previously held research and academic positions at the Technical University of Dortmund.
Education:
- 2020: Doctorate in Geography at Ruhr University Bochum
- 2013-2015: Second State Examination for teaching at grammar schools and comprehensive schools
- 2008-2013: First State Examination, Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Geography and History at Ruhr University Bochum
Dr. Schmalor's research focuses on System Competence Research, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and Digitalization in Geography Education. His work explores how geographical education can foster systems thinking to address complex environmental challenges, particularly climate change. He investigates students' and teachers' understanding of sustainability issues and develops innovative teaching methods that integrate digital tools with field-based learning experiences to enhance geographical literacy and environmental awareness. His approach emphasizes practical applications of theoretical frameworks in real classroom settings.
His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on practical geography education with strong emphasis on climate change education, sustainable urban development, and field-based learning. Schmalor frequently collaborates with colleagues like S. Ciprina, K. Jebbink, and M. Hanke on projects that bridge theoretical frameworks with classroom practice. His work shows a clear trajectory toward developing educational approaches that help students understand complex socio-ecological systems and develop solutions for sustainability challenges.
Current Research Projects:
- Systemic Action within Planetary Load Limits: A DBU-funded project (2023-2026) developing digital learning environments for transformative education on planetary boundaries, in collaboration with PH Karlsruhe.
- diGL (Digital Self-Learning Course: Social Studies): An OPENEDU-RLP funded project (2023) creating a nationwide unique digital training concept for interdisciplinary social studies teaching.
- Sustainability Academy: A DBU-funded international project (2024-2025) developing teaching materials on upcycling and recycling in cooperation with SVDM GmbH from Slovakia.
Dr. Schmalor is an active member of the Hochschulverband für Geographiedidaktik (HGD), Gesellschaft für Didaktik des Sachunterrichts (GDSU), and Verband Deutscher Schulgeographen (VDSG). He regularly presents his research at national and international conferences, with recent presentations focusing on climate change education, systems thinking development, and digital learning approaches in geography education.
