Dresden University School at IALS Annual Conference 2026

Teaching for Tomorrow: Research-Based Practice and Global Collaboration in Lab Schools​

IALS Annual Conference - International Association of Laborytory Schools 
April 21 to April 23, 2026
Jyväskylä, Finland
Hosted by the Jyväskylä Teacher Training School​

From the University School to Practice – A Model for Developing Practical Teacher Education

Speakers: Prof. Dr. Anke Langner, Scientific Director of the Dresden University School School Trial, and Dr. Marlis Pesch, Research Associate

This presentation introduces an innovative practice model for teacher education developed at the University School Dresden. It demonstrates how concepts from a research-oriented university school can be transferred into broader school practice. In this model, groups of student teachers take responsibility for a school class one day per week over several months, collaboratively designing and reflecting on learning processes together with teachers and university lecturers. The focus lies on self-regulated and cooperative learning, reflective practice, and the integration of theory and classroom experience. Participants will gain insights into the model’s design, implementation, and first findings from the students’ perspective, and will explore how university-based innovation can inform and strengthen school-based teacher education.

About the IALS annual conference

The IALS Annual Conference is hosted by a member school for those associated with or interested in learning from Laboratory schools including educators, pre-service educators, administrators, researchers, and faculty.

This conference brings together representatives from laboratory and university-affiliated schools worldwide to explore forward-looking approaches to education. The theme emphasizes the importance of research-informed pedagogy, teacher preparation, and the development of practicum experiences through close collaboration between schools and universities. The event serves as a platform for sharing insights, fostering international partnerships, and examining how research collaboration, practice-based learning, and pedagogical innovation can shape meaningful education in an ever-changing global context.

Find more information on the conference website and register here.

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 prospectively, a further education school for teachers. The ForUS - University School Research Unit at TU Dresden is providing scientific support for the school trial.

Read more about TU Dresden’s research project: https://tu-dresden.de/gsw/unischule
Read more about the University School Dresden: http://universitaetsschule.org

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