Call for Book Chapters: Cultivating Didactic Spaces with Bildung Theories and Cross-Curricular Approaches in Educational Practice

Vernon Press invites submissions for the edited volume "Cultivating Didactic Spaces with Bildung Theories and Cross-Curricular Approaches in Educational Practice," edited by Charlotta Hilli and Nina Mård.

In response to the increasing complexity of contemporary education and the imperative for cultivating reflective, responsible, and autonomous learners, this book proposes a renewed didactic framework grounded in the traditions of Bildung and enriched through cross-curricular (integrated, interdisciplinary) teaching. Drawing on the foundational insights of, e.g., Wilhelm von Humboldt, Wolfgang Klafki, and Dietrich Benner, the work advocates for a didactic space where the formation of the self (Bildung) is inseparable from engagement with meaningful content and societal relevance. By transcending disciplinary silos and emphasising thematic coherence, the book aims to support educators in designing integrative learning spaces that foster ethical judgment, cultural understanding, and intellectual autonomy.

Potential themes aligning with didactic and Bildung theories and cross-curricular teaching across educational levels:

• The Concept of the Didactic Space
  • Defining and cultivating meaningful didactic spaces
  • The role of dialogic and reflexive teaching
  • Spatial, social, aesthetic, ethical, and epistemic dimensions of learning spaces
• Cross-Curricular Teaching as Pedagogical Strategy
  • Cross-curricular and trans-curricular teaching and learning
  • Designing thematic units across subjects
  • Integration of key societal issues (e.g., sustainability, digitalisation, democracy)
• Subject-Area Contributions to Bildung
  • How disciplines contribute to ethical, intellectual, and cultural formation
  • Navigating depth vs. breadth in cross-curricular design
  • Reimagining disciplinary boundaries without diluting content
• Democratic Education and Ethical Responsibility
  • Bildung as preparation for democratic participation
  • Moral and civic education within and beyond disciplines
  • Critical thinking, agency, and values education
• Pedagogical Praxis and Curriculum Design
  • Frameworks for planning and evaluating cross-curricular units
  • Case studies from early childhood to higher education
  • Teacher collaboration and institutional support structures
• Teacher professionalism
  • Approaches to support teachers’ professional development and occupational well-being
  • Didactic spaces to promote teacher motivation and engagement
  • Cross-curricular collaboration as a pathway to collegial learning and sustainable work engagement
• Assessment and Evaluation in a Bildung-Oriented Framework
  • Moving beyond standardized testing
  • Formative and qualitative assessment of holistic learning
  • Student self-assessment and metacognition
• Challenges and Possibilities in Contemporary Contexts
  • Barriers to implementation (e.g., curricular constraints, assessment regimes)
  • Digital Bildung and the role of technology
  • Education for sustainability, global citizenship, and future competencies

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts: 200-300 words (excluding references)
• Include: Title, author name(s), institutional affiliation, email, and short bio (100 words)
• Format: Word or PDF
• Submit to: charlotta.hilli@abo.fi

Important Dates:

• Abstract Deadline: October 1, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: November 3, 2025
• Complete Chapter Submission: April 13, 2026
• Anticipated Publication: February 2027

We welcome contributions from diverse educational contexts and encourage submissions that offer innovative, critical, and inclusive perspectives on Bildung and didactic practice. We invite proposals for individual and co-authored pieces for chapters of 6000 words. All submissions must be original contributions and may not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. All chapters will undergo peer review.

For inquiries or to submit your abstract, please contact Charlotta Hilli at charlotta.hilli@abo.fi