Interlocking theory and practice in teacher training programs

"Growing into school" - gaining practical experience continuously and purposefully during your studies

Since the start of the 2024/25 school year, teacher training students at TU Dresden have been able to continuously gain practical experience at an early stage and learn to reflect on this and combine it with theory. This is made possible by a modified internship format and close cooperation between TU Dresden and the internship schools - even in higher semesters.

The alternative teaching internship at selected schools in Eastern Saxony (ALSO) was launched at TU Dresden in summer 2024 with 13 future teachers at two schools as a project to test a better theory-practice link in the teacher training program. In the 2024/25 school year, 44 students traveled to a school in Neusalza-Spremberg, Görlitz, Zittau or Löbau every Friday after the autumn vacations and accompanied a school class in a team of four for a whole day of learning. The project will be continued in the 2025/26 school year.

The hours worked for the mandatory internship will be credited, but all additional hours will also be remunerated on a pro rata basis. Registration for the next school year begins in April, the preparatory seminar starts in the winter semester, and after the autumn vacations, the first day of learning together in the class team of four usually takes place in October after a familiarization visit to the host school. The team accompanies a fixed class for one day each week until the end of the school year (usually at the end of June of the following year).

During the semester-accompanying internship, the participating students can grow into the role of teacher and learning guide and are supported in their professionalization through events at TU Dresden. In addition to an accompanying seminar, this is the collegial case consultation (KFB) of the Educational Science Teaching and Research Workshop (ELF). Here, prospective teachers can develop their professional skills in a peer setting, reflect on their own pedagogical approaches and improve their teaching methods.

In the alternative teaching internship at selected secondary schools in eastern Saxony, students benefit from their experience with the semester-long internship at the Dresden University School. Prof. Anke Langner is continuously developing this format together with the school community and students to improve the link between theory and practice early on in the course.