News in detail

On Monday, 10 September 2018, the University of Konstanz launches a new adult education study programme preparing teachers in the state of Baden-Württemberg for teaching the new focus area of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics (IMP). The one-year blended-learning course combines online modules and face-to-face classes and was jointly designed by the University of Konstanz and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Baden-Württemberg. The University of Konstanz beat the other state universities in the ministry's call for proposals and will now receive funding of one million euros to develop and realize the innovative study format during the next four years.

The programme is aimed at teachers working in German secondary schools such as Haupt- and Werkrealschulen, Realschulen, Gemeinschaftsschulen and Gymnasien. It includes modules in computer science, mathematics and physics that teachers can select depending on their previous knowledge. In a total of 22 compulsory modules, the participants will acquire subject-specific foundations, interwoven with aspects on teaching methodology. They will graduate with a "Certificate of Basic Studies". The content of the study programme is based on the educational plan for the subject IMP in secondary education. All places were filled shortly after the continuing education programme had been announced and a waiting list had to be opened.

"We are delighted that the ministry chose our concept, recognizing our expertise and experience with blended learning. This will strengthen the University of Konstanz's reputation as a location for future-oriented teacher education. The number of admissions and the waiting list clearly show that our new study programme will be an essential component in continuing teacher education", says Michael Grossniklaus, professor of computer science at the University of Konstanz and academic head of the adult education study programme.

The University of Konstanz has promoted and further developed its teacher training since 2016, with measures being coordinated and implemented by the Binational School of Education (BiSE) based in Konstanz (Germany) and Kreuzlingen (Switzerland). To that end, the university has received substantial funding from the federal and state governments in the framework of the "Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung" (quality enhancement campaign for teacher education). The main focus is on including more practical aspects in teacher education programmes and on close networking with regional partner institutions. The network includes the Thurgau University of Teacher Education, the Seminar für Didaktik und Lehrerbildung (Gymnasien) in Rottweil as well as 20 partner schools in Germany and Switzerland. Dr Fabio Crivellari, managing director of the BiSE, is convinced that the adult education study programme really is a move forward: "Digitisation has played a central role in education for some time. It is important that this topic find its way into all levels of our work, pioneered by formats such as the adult education study programme IMP at the University of Konstanz".

Facts:

• New adult education study programme in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics (IMP) will start on Monday, 10 September 2018, designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Baden-Württemberg
• Funding amount: one million euros, funding period: four years
• More than 200 participating teachers per year, a total of 900 to 1000 teachers can take part
• The blended-learning course combines online modules and face-to-face classes and consists of a total of 22 compulsory modules