State examination theses in the teaching profession in the field of educational science in the winter semester 2024/25

The Research Center of Dresden University School (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 May 27 and June 9, 2024, briefly explaining why you are interested in the topic. Please also include whether you have already attended a seminar in the context of the University School Dresden or have been on 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 July. Each topic can only be assigned once. If you are interested in several topics, please write several separate e-mails.

Notes on formalities

• The form for the registration of the "scientific paper" must be submitted.
• You will need one person for the first and one person for the second review. 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
• Survey of the learning support
• Parent survey
• Spelling competence compared over time
• Mathematical competence compared over time
• Vocational orientation
• Social inequality
• Vignette research

• Self-regulated learning

• Assessment of learning and development processes

Topic 1	Reading comprehension
Focus	Evaluation of standardized tests on reading comprehension of students at the University School Dresden
Data from	Data from the ELFE survey from 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 assessment of learning quality and cooperation within the teaching staff.
Data	Survey from April 2024
Supervisors	Anke Langner, Matthias Ritter
Application form

Topic 3	Parent survey
Focus	In November 2024, parents at Dresden University School will be asked to take part in an online survey. In it, parents will be asked various questions, for example about their assessment of the quality of learning, motives for choosing a school or involvement in the school. The first step is to develop your own questions. If necessary, create your own questions for the questionnaire.
Data	Data from surveys from 2020 to 2023 are available. The 2024 data collection is being designed.
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?
Data from	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
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	Social inequality
Focus	Analysis of the influence of social background on achievement OR students' perceptions of social inequality
Data	Data on social background and competence tests / interview data
Supervisors	Christoph Haßler, Matthias Ritter
Application form

Topic 8	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
Registration

Topic 9	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.
Supervisors	Marlis Pesch
Registration

Topic 10	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/ 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, Anke Langner
Registration

About the University School Dresden

Dresden University School is a joint project of the state capital 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 school trial is being scientifically supported by the ForUS research center at TU Dresden.

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

You can find insights into everyday school life and the research project on various social media channels under @unischuleTUD. Follow the links to Dresden University School on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.