03.12.2025 NAVINCLASS Featured on German Public Radio: Addressing Conflict in the Lecture Hall

NAVINCLASS Featured on German Public Radio: Addressing Conflict in the Lecture Hall

On 1 December 2025, the international project NAVINCLASS – Navigating Conflict in the Classroom was launched at Philipps-Universität Marburg. In a recent interview with BR24, the news service of German public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk, Project Coordinator Stéphane Voell introduced the initiative and discussed why conflict in the seminar room is not only unavoidable, but can also enhance learning.

At the heart of NAVINCLASS lies a guiding question: How can conflicts in the lecture hall be addressed productively rather than suppressed? According to Voell, tensions should not be avoided but openly acknowledged. “Controversial issues must be addressed in order to work through them,” he explains, particularly in contexts where historical experiences may have fostered a tendency to sidestep confrontation.

NAVINCLASS brings together research teams from Germany, Spain, Portugal, Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The consortium views its cultural and historical diversity as a key strength. Approaches to conflict are shaped by national contexts, Voell notes: “We learn from one another; we are highly cooperative – but we will develop distinct approaches for each country.” While role-play formats may be particularly effective in Bosnia and Herzegovina, other countries may benefit more from workshop-based models.

Over the next three years, NAVINCLASS will develop a comprehensive set of training modules and workshops designed to support universities in responding to polarisation and fostering a constructive culture of debate. The project aims to strengthen conflict competence among students and staff alike, contributing to resilient and reflective academic environments across Europe.

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Navigating Conflict in the Classroom NAVINCLASS
Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships, 2025-1-DE01-KA220-HED-000358516