Teacher education
Transfer
Transfer knowledge and best practices beyond the University of Cologne
Social impact
Teacher education at the University of Cologne has an impact that extends far beyond the university. Students, graduates, and teachers themselves drive the transfer process of knowledge forward. They apply their knowledge through practical work inside schools and are inspired by practical experience to conduct research and reflect on their work. This helps them shape the present and future.
At the University of Cologne, we have established the Inclusive University School, the only teacher training school of its kind in Germany, where we team up with our partners to rethink teacher education holistically. We are working together on developing an innovative combination of teacher education, school development, and research.
Strategic concept
Transfer is a central component of teacher education. Universities and schools can only fulfil their educational, research and social duties in close cooperation with each other.
Universities need exceptionally trained students to conduct excellent research and teaching, which requires top-notch school education.
In turn, schools can only provide this level of education if they first secure high-quality teacher education that is grounded in current research in pedagogy and subject matter, and that addresses current and future challenges.
Students and graduates from the teacher education degree programme take what they have learned at the University of Cologne and apply it inside schools.
They can also keep in touch with the university and return as teachers for further training.
This allows them to introduce new scientific findings into the classroom and to familiarize their students with the university setting, creating a continuous cycle of future-oriented school education, innovative and excellent research, and social participation.
Systematic integration
- Transfer from teacher education is systematically linked to the University of Cologne’s comprehensive transfer strategy.
- The Teacher Education Hub is an organisation that facilitates networking and exchange between all participating institutions and individuals.
Objectives
- Strengthening the transfer of knowledge and practice between the university, schools, practical teacher training centres and other stakeholders involved in education
- Linking excellent research and school education in order to continuously promote innovation and quality in teaching
- Offering targeted support to promote the professional development of (prospective) teachers, even beyond university education
- Establishing sustainable cooperation with regional, national, and international partners to strengthen education, science, and society in the long term
Implementation
The University of Cologne’s Teacher Education Hub provides the infrastructure for successful transfer processes.
- University programmes for schools enable teachers to introduce their pupils to university life and research.
- Students can experiment with innovative teaching methods and multi-professional collaborations in the classroom and beyond.
- Further training enables students to stay connected to the university as teachers.
- Teachers take part in continuing professional development programmes that help develop their skills further.