Key Topics for 2026
In 2026, a Common Language and Mental Health will be the focus of the Education Lab’s work.
Together with the City of Vienna, we have defined these two topics as key priorities for our first development phase. Through research, dialogue, and collaboration with various stakeholders, we are identifying specific areas of action that can be taken up and further developed by the educational community, our partner organizations, the City of Vienna, and the Education Lab itself. In doing so, we are guided by the following questions:
- Mental Health: How Can the Educational System Protect and Promote the Mental Health of Children, Youth, and Educators?
- A Common Language: What is needed to ensure that children attending Viennese kindergartens and elementary schools acquire the language skills that will enable them to learn, participate, and pursue a variety of educational paths?
The Processes
Since the two focus areas address different initial questions, they are being addressed through separate processes. What both areas have in common is an initial research phase and a future-oriented workshop that took place on April 29, 2026. The next steps in the area of mental health are currently being developed. For the “Common Language” focus area, another workshop will follow in September, and the subsequent steps in the process will be developed based on the outcomes of that workshop.
Future Workshops with LEGO® Serious Play®
As part of our Open House on April 29, 2026, two parallel workshops were held on the key topics of “Common Language” and “Mental Health.” Using the LEGO® Serious Play® method, participants developed visions for the future and concrete ideas. This creative approach helps make thoughts visible and brings to light perspectives that often don’t come up in traditional discussions.
Desk Research on Mental Health
The scientific literature contains numerous recommendations on how education systems can promote the mental health of children and adolescents. For our analysis, we reviewed approximately 50 meta-studies and identified the key recommendations for action.
Mental Health Partner Workshop
On June 10, 2026, partner organizations of the Education Lab, subject matter experts, educators, and other relevant stakeholders came together to discuss the key recommendations from the research. The focus was on which approaches have already been adopted in the Vienna education system and how further recommendations could be implemented in the future.
Interviews & Research on “A Common Language”
In addition to conducting extensive research, we spoke with about ten subject matter experts and educators to gather different perspectives on the current situation. The focus was particularly on the question of what challenges and areas for action are emerging in Vienna regarding German as the common language of education and the language acquisition of children whose everyday language is not German.
Children’s Workshops: A Common Language
In June and July, we visited two kindergartens and two elementary school classes to conduct playful workshops with the children. The goal was to learn about their perspectives and better understand how they experience language (multilingualism and German) in their everyday lives. The insights gained from this initiative complement the perspectives of research and practice by incorporating the children’s own viewpoints.
Partner Workshop: A Common Language
Another partner workshop is planned for September 24, 2026. Building on what we’ve learned so far, we will discuss with partner organizations and subject matter experts how to further advance the topic of “Common Language” in Vienna.
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