We have assigned all contributions to overarching issues and developed conference strands from them. The description of the strands can be found below. The strands cannot be formulated completely clearly, but we have assigned all contributions to one of the strands and asked the contributors to consider to what extent the focus of their workshop could be more strongly focussed by the respective strand idea.

Strand 1: Research-based further development of extracurricular places of learning

Studies in which research groups work together with extracurricular learning centres. The purpose is the data-based further development of programmes and formats of the learning venues. Empirical methods are used. In addition to the further development of specific learning opportunities, generalisable results on extracurricular learning are developed.

Strand 2: Media and digitalisation

Studies that examine the role and function of (digital) media in formats of extracurricular learning programmes. Empirical methods are used. Processes of digitalisation at extracurricular learning venues are reflected upon or analysed. The added value of extracurricular digitalisation is discussed.

Strand 3: Diversity, heterogeneity and gender

Studies that address and model the different requirements of visitors to extracurricular learning venues. Empirical studies to assess heterogeneity or to test methods of differentiation at extracurricular learning centres. Studies on inclusion in extracurricular learning programmes.

Strand 4: Vocational orientation

Studies that analyse the influence of extracurricular learning opportunities on the vocational orientation of pupils. Studies that empirically test models of vocational orientation at extracurricular learning centres.

Strand 5: Process research

Studies that use empirical methods to investigate and model the decoding, thinking and learning processes that take place in extracurricular learning opportunities. Studies that investigate the influence of interventions, the structure of learning programmes or the premises and equipment of learning locations on thinking and learning processes.

Strand 6: Networking of extracurricular learning opportunities

Studies that empirically analyse the networking of extracurricular learning venues with each other or between extracurricular learning venues and school programmes. The focus is on both the results of networking and networking processes. Studies that develop networking formats and test them with extracurricular places of learning and possibly schools.

Strand 7: Objectives and characterisations of extracurricular learning venues

Studies that develop terms and categories to characterise and typify extracurricular learning opportunities, justify them theoretically and put them up for discussion. Studies that analyse or theoretically justify the aims of extracurricular learning venues. Studies in which new formats for types of extracurricular learning venues are developed on this basis.

Strand 8: Teaching-learning laboratories

Studies that theoretically and empirically analyse the function of extracurricular places of learning, in particular student laboratories at universities for university teacher training. Studies that clarify which processes of competence development of student teachers take place in teaching-learning laboratories and how these can be modelled. Studies that analyse the influence of teaching-learning labs on the students involved.

Strand 9: Embedding in the classroom

Studies in which the embedding of extracurricular learning programmes in school contexts is investigated. Empirical methods are used to investigate the processes of the students, how they relate the learning opportunities in school to the learning opportunities outside of school and, in some cases, how they establish interdisciplinary connections. Studies that theoretically model the embedding.

Strand 10: Museum and science centre

Studies that empirically investigate the special features of learning in and the offerings of science and technology museums and science centres as freely accessible places of learning with a wide range of visitors. Studies that investigate or model engagement with exhibits and spatial settings.