Innovative Educational Program: Uni meets Mittelschule

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In this way, the department facilitates a genuine transfer of theory into practice: After teacher-candidates have studied key pedagogical and psychological concepts at the university such as motivation, self-concept, and locus of control, they work once a week with consistent small groups of one to three 9th-grade students, guiding them through the final stretch before the Qualifying Exam (Quali).

They work through and practice the material for the final exam with their groups, thereby providing the students — often for the first time — with individualized support. At the same time, the prospective teachers are able to experience, apply, and reflect on key findings from teaching and learning research firsthand. For many students, this is their first interaction with middle school students, which they describe as enriching and a source of greater tolerance.