International Mobility in the Master of Primary School Education (MAPS)

Internationalisation of teacher training is deemed to be a potential strategy for bolstering student teachers’ expertise prior to admission to professional practice and for them to be active in facing diversity in the classroom. Participation in international courses is however still very low, especially in the case of prospective primary school teachers, and seldom takes place in the educational sciences. MAPS at the University of Vechta provides an example of what a low-threshold and attractive internationalisation course can look like in educational sciences to better prepare prospective primary school teachers for a school routine characterised by diversity.

Using innovative courses to make prospective primary school teachers enthusiastic about international study opportunities in the educational sciences. Innovative courses in which international, global and intercultural skills can be acquired add new learning opportunities to the nationally-oriented studies at the University of Vechta. In addition to the expansion of (English-speaking) educational seminars on the professionalisation of teaching, this includes a two-week summer school with specialist seminars by international lecturers that takes place each year in Vechta, intercultural training, job shadowing in a school and discussions with experts. Jointly addressing teaching issues relating to schools from an international comparative perspective creates a wide range of inducements for the student teachers from different cultural backgrounds to take part in education and reflection that underpins the professionalisation process. The summer school in particular creates a low-threshold, accessible and attractive learning opportunity for students at the University of Vechta that enables them to enjoy Internationalisation at Home in a climate-sensitive manner.

Mentoring and recognition in an international context

Courses developed in the European Universities network ensure their sustainable curricular assimilation into the master’s degree. A newly developed studies concept is available over multiple semesters to students interested in international mobility and thus guarantees organised, professional and personal mentoring during their entire master’s degree course, both locally and abroad. Structured mobility windows and coordinated curricula ensure that the student primary teachers obtain full recognition of their academic achievements at the partner universities in Italy (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano) and Estonia (Tallinn University).

Further statements and project insights are available via the University of Vechta YouTube channel.

A systematic studies concept, close mentoring and targeted reflection activities underpin the development of expertise. A studies and mentoring concept that is agreed with the partner universities and common across all locations, which also permits studying in German if required, simplifies and breaks down the barriers associated with a stay abroad (including concern regarding extension of the study period) and enables students to concentrate on their teacher training and their international experiences. Curricular assimilation of portfolio activities and a wide range of opportunities to reflect with mentors and other students assist with skills development and transfer.

Universität Vechta

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