Dresden, 12th to 16th November 2018

© Benjamin Jenak

General Information

In a transcultural and interdisciplinary context, this symposium focused on current issues affecting education systems with the aim of developing effective solutions for the local changes resulting from globalisation and digitalisation. This special interdisciplinary symposium was organised into two parts of equal importance – the scientific programme and the framework programme.

Against the backdrop of the increasing economic and societal changes that digitalisation and globalisation have set in motion the world over, the education systems are also facing new challenges. International comparative studies such as PISA mean that simply withdrawing to national topics and research traditions is no longer an option. Research in the field of teacher training, therefore, urgently needs to consolidate its collaboration with international partners and to enable a lively exchange of ideas.

The symposium was hosted by the Center of Teacher Education and Educational Research and its director Prof. Axel Gehrmann. It was funded by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Scientific Programme

The main focus of the scientific programme was on global questions of teacher training, which urgently require competent answers. A cross-cultural view of the actualities and challenges of teacher training helps to identify conditions for effective reforms and, through mutual exchange, to mark the way towards successful change. The conference took place in highly interactive formats, shaped by the respective speakers and the participants in equal measure – workshops, discussion rounds and expert feedback rounds.

The structure of the programme corresponded to the three thematic areas:

• The topic “Sense of Teacher Training” aimed at the historical, cultural and social character of teacher training within a national context.
• The topic “Types of Teacher Training” highlighted academic exchange on special features of teacher training at a structural level and looked into its organisation in universities and colleges.
• The topic “Research, Policy and Practice of Teacher Training” shed light on what is taught, what is known and what is desired for teacher training in the 21st century.

For information on the time schedule of this symposium head here.
For further information please have a look at the conference booklet.

Framework Programme

The framework formats addressed both Alumni Germany and friends of TU Dresden who liked to gain in-depth knowledge of Dresden as a science location and to network with Dresden's scientific institutions.

On Wednesday, during the workshop on funding strategies and opportunities, the participants were welcome to generate and present their own ideas for future joint projects. On Thursday, an "International Forum" offered lots of space for participants to introduce their universities to Dresden's students and staff members and to have individual talks about particular student's questions regarding life and work in the participant's countries. On Friday, in the workshop "International Researchers as Dresden's Ambassadors", the participants were inspired on how to make the TU Dresden visible at their home universities and to get involved as contact persons for joint activities.

Impressions