The second pilot phase of the project to better intertwine theory and practice in teacher training has started at TU Dresden. The internship runs throughout the semester and allows participating students to grow into the teaching role and provide learning support, all the while mitigating the shortage of teachers in East Saxony through practical work. Every Friday after the fall break, around 45 students travel to a school in Neusalza-Spremberg, Görlitz, Zittau or Löbau and take charge of a school class in teams of four for a whole day of learning.
Professionalisation for future teachers at the TU Dresden
The students are supported by regular feedback meetings for reflecting their experience with the project leaders to better combine their practical experience with the theory taught at the university. Furthermore the Collegial case counselling offered by the Educational Science Teaching and Research Workshop (ELF), prospective teachers can develop their professional skills, reflect on their own pedagogical approaches and improve teaching methods in a peer setting.
In the alternative teaching internship at selected secondary schools in East Saxony, the students also benefit from the experience gained during the internship in conjunction with the semester at the University School Dresden. Prof. Anke Langner is continuously developing this approach in collaboration with the school community and students to improve the connection between theory and practice early on in the degree program.
Successful initial pilot phase in summer 2024
From May 1 - June 15, 2024, an initial pilot phase was carried out at two schools in Weißwasser and Zittau. Over a period of six weeks, the 14 participating students were able to try out innovative teaching and learning methods with motivated pupils in small groups. Many of them are now continuing their internship. They have already completed the required coursework, but the project enables them to efficiently combine professional practice with a student job.
