Towards a Theory of Subject-Matter Didactics

The article outlines a new scientific approach developed under the title of “General Subject Didactics”. This concept is based on the existence of several scientific disciplines that can be called “subject-matter didactics” (or short: subject didactics). These are linked to certain domains like biology or mathematics and to respective school subjects.

General subject didactics can be defined as the theory of subject didactics. It observes and reflects how the individual subject didactics explore subject-specific teaching and learning. This is done both by top-down reflections and by bottom-up comparisons. 17 subject didactics in Germany are compared on the basis of six impulses, leading to new insights, e.g. on the reference sciences of subject didactics or the sources and selection of subject content.

The article develops further perspectives on the usefulness of this innovative theory as part of the philosophy of education, nationally and internationally.