State examination theses in the field of educational sciences at the University School Research Center (ForUS) – current topics and registration for summer semester 2025

State examination theses in the teaching profession in the field of educational science - summer semester 2025

The University School University School Research Center (ForUS) and the Chair of Education / Inclusive Education offer state examination theses in the context of the accompanying research of the University School Dresden pilot project. The aim of the state examination thesis is for you to work independently on a defined scientific research topic and present it in writing. After the information on the registration procedure and formalities, you will find a list of the topics on which we currently offer theses and can support you.

If you are writing your state examination thesis at the research center of the University School Dresden (USD), we assume that you will participate in our research colloquium (at least 2 dates). The topics or questions listed under 'Focus' are possible contents for final theses. Preference should be given to these topics; in special individual cases, other topics are possible by arrangement.

Registration procedure

To apply, please send an email to forus@tu-dresden.de between January 3-16, 2025, briefly explaining why you are interested in the topic. Please also indicate whether you have already attended a seminar in the context of the University School Dresden or have done an internship at the University School Dresden. You can also mention any previous experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research. If you have no previous experience with empirical research, you should be prepared to familiarize yourself with it.

You are expected to receive feedback at the beginning of February . Only one student can be assigned to each topic. If you are interested in several topics, please write separate e-mails.

Notes on formalities

• The form for the registration of the "academic paper" must be submitted.
• You need one person for the first and one person for the second assessment. We can support you with this.
• The time required to complete the state examination thesis is 6 months.
• The number of pages of a standard thesis varies from approx. 50 to 80 pages.
• Please follow the academic standards (e.g. Harvard) when formatting/citing your thesis.

Further information on submission can be found on the website of the Saxony Law and Regulations Administration.

Topics

• Reading comprehension (ELFE)
• Survey of the learning support
• Parent survey/interview
• Spelling competence compared over time
• Mathematical competence compared over time
• Vocational orientation
• Vignette research
• Self-regulated learning in cooperative learning settings

• Assessment of learning & development processes

• Development of learning materials (cooperation with Gymnasium Löbau)

Topic 1	Reading comprehension
Focus on	Evaluation of standardized tests for reading comprehension of students at the University School Dresden
Data from	Data from the ELFE survey from November 2024 and January 2024
Supervisors	Anke Langner, Marlis Pesch, Matthias Ritter
Application form

Topic 2	Survey of the learning support
Focus	The learning support staff at Dresden University School were surveyed on their satisfaction at the school and assessments of project work.
data	Surveys from April 2024/ December 2024
Supervisors	Anke Langner, Matthias Ritter
Application form

Topic 3	Parent survey
Focus	In November 2024, parents at Dresden University School were asked to take part in an online survey. In it, parents were asked various questions, for example about their assessment of the quality of learning, motives for choosing a school or their assessment of the target agreement meetings.
Data	Data from surveys from November 2024 (data from 2020 to 2023 can also be accessed if necessary), interview if necessary
Supervisors	Matthias Ritter, Anke Langner
Application form

Topic 4	Spelling competence compared over time
Focus	How do the spelling skills of pupils at Dresden University School develop over time?
The data	Data from the Hamburg Writing Sample (HSP)
Supervisors	Marlis Pesch, Anke Langner
Application form

Topic 5	Mathematical competence compared over time
Focus	How do the mathematical competencies of students at Dresden University School develop over time?
The data	Data from the German Mathematics Test (DEMAT)
Supervisors	Matthias Ritter, Anke Langner; Christoph Haßler
Application form

Topic 6	Evaluating career guidance
Focus	The concept of vocational orientation at the University School Dresden is to be analyzed (including the weekly practical day / Friday internship).
Data	Interview with companies and/or students, if necessary use of questionnaire data from May 2024
Supervisors	Anke Langner, Katja Kuritz
Application form

Topic 7	Vignette research
Focus	How does learning manifest itself at Dresden University School? Individual learning and development trajectories of students are traced in individual case analyses in order to approach the many facets of learning experiences.
Data	Observations, interviews with students, vignettes
Supervisors	Hannah Bartels, Wiebke Bergjürgen
Application form

Topic 8	Self-regulated learning
Focus	How do students work together in project groups in a self-regulated and cooperative way?
Data	Data is partially available; further data collection with students is being planned.
Supervisor	Marlis Pesch
Registration

Topic 9	Assessing and supporting learning and development processes
Focus	What do teachers need to understand students' learning and development processes and to be able to assess their development potential? How, for what and when do teachers give feedback to students?
Data	Data is partially available, further data collection with learning guides (e.g. observations, interviews with learning guides)
Supervisors	Marlis Pesch
Registration

Topic 10	Development of learning materials
Focus	Development of learning materials for self-regulated project-based learning in years 5/6 or 7/8. Project-based means, above all, always interdisciplinary. You develop the concept and the necessary material for learning in a project in close cooperation with teachers at Löbau secondary school.
Data	No data use
Supervisors	Anke Langner, Teachers at Löbau Grammar School
Registration

About the University School Dresden

Dresden University School is a joint project of the state capital of Dresden and the TUD Dresden University of Technology. It is a public and free community school run by the city, where innovative forms of teaching and learning are tested under academic supervision. In addition, it is a training school for future teachers and, in the future, a further education school for teachers. The University School Dresden Pilot Project Research Unit (ForUS) at TU Dresden is providing scientific support for the school trial.

Information on the research project at TU Dresden: https: //tu-dresden.de/gsw/unischule
Information on the University School Dresden: http://universitaetsschule.org

You can find insights into the University School Dresden research project and everyday school life on various social media channels under @unischuleTUD: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. News from the University School Dresden project can be found regularly in the GSW newsletter.