Keynote “Classroom Emotions in Civic Education” at EARLI SIG 13 & 19

At the EARLI SIG 13 & 19 conference, Dr. Elisabeth Graf delivered a keynote titled “Classroom Emotions in Civic Education: The Role of Open Classroom Climate for Emotions and Civic Learning Outcomes,” presenting the Maslovaty Award–winning study on emotions in civic education. The presentation took place in Kristiansand, Norway, at the conference held from Wednesday, June 3, to Friday, June 5, 2026.

The study examined how an open classroom climate during discussions of political and social issues is related to students’ experienced emotions (enjoyment, anxiety, shame, and boredom) and how these emotions are associated with key goals of civic education such as political knowledge and intention to participate. The findings showed that classroom climate is a relevant predictor of experienced enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom. The open classroom climate was associated with greater enjoyment and lower levels of anxiety and boredom in civic education.

The subsequent discussion and questions from the audience highlighted the central role that emotions play in learning about politics and opened up promising perspectives for future research.