Situational Approach (English)
Situational Approach at ISTA
Introduction
The Situational Approach is a pedagogical concept that places children’s real-life situations at the center of educational practice. Developed in Germany in the 1970s, it supports children in understanding their lifeworld and in shaping it in a self-determined, competent, and socially responsible way.
Learning in the Situational Approach starts from children’s experiences, questions, and everyday challenges. Children are understood as active subjects who learn through meaningful participation in real-life situations.
At the Institute for the Situational Approach (ISTA), part of the International Academy Berlin (INA), we work to further develop and disseminate the Situational Approach in theory and practice. Our work combines research, professional development and collaboration with early childhood educators and other partners in the field.
About ISTA
The Institute for the Situational Approach (ISTA) was founded in 1996 and is part of the International Academy Berlin for Innovative Pedagogy, Psychology and Economy (INA).
ISTA works at the intersection of research, professional reflection and practical development. Our work includes:
- practice-based research
- professional development and training
- quality development and evaluation
- contributions to educational programmes
- publications, lectures and professional events
- expert advice, consultation and cooperation in national and international contexts
The Situational Approach is guided by key principles such as:
- Lifeworld orientation – education rooted in children’s everyday lives
- Participation – children as active participants in decisions that affect them
- Equality and diversity – recognising and valuing differences
- Holistic education – supporting social, emotional, cognitive and practical learning
Key Resources
Situational Approach Overview
For a more detailed introduction to the history, principles and current development of the Situational Approach, you can read the following article by Dr Katrin Macha:
ISTA Poster
Our ISTA poster offers a compact visual introduction to the Situational Approach and to the work of the institute.
Further Reading and Research
Selected publications include:
- Macha, K. (2025): ‘Is the world coming to an end?’ – exploring children’s concerns about what is happening in the world
- Macha, K. et al. (2024): Children’s perspectives on quality in ECEC as a form of participation – International Journal of Early Years Education
- Macha, K. et al. (2023): Making it explicit – Sustained shared thinking dialogue as a way to explore children’s perspectives on quality – British Educational Research Journal
- Macha, K. et al. (2023): Kindorientierung in der pädagogischen Praxis: Aus Sicht der Kinder den Kita-Alltag gestalten
- Kobelt Neuhaus, D., Macha, K. & Pesch, L. (2018): Der Situationsansatz in der Kita: Pädagogische Ansätze auf einen Blick
Contact
For enquiries about ISTA, training programmes or publications, please contact:
Dr Katrin Macha
Director, Institute for the Situational Approach (ISTA)
📧 macha@situationsansatz.de
Further information:
🌍 situationsansatz.de
🌍 inaberlin.org
📷 Instagram