In January, Paderborn University launched the new "AKTIV UPB 2.0" project with partner universities on four continents to enrich teacher training with further internationalisation opportunities. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is sponsoring the project as part of the "Lehramt.International" programme with more than 600,000 euros until the end of 2029. In practice, student teachers will spend four months at universities and schools in Germany, Paraguay, Sweden, Togo, and Turkey to explore school reality from a comparative perspective.
The predecessor project "AKTIV UPB" established exchange formats and internal university structures for the internationalisation of teacher training courses. In particular, international school internships are now better anchored than before in the curricula and programmes for preparing for and accompanying a stay abroad. The new project builds on these diverse existing structures and networks and further enhances the profile of internationalisation in teacher training. "We are focusing on research-based studies and education for sustainable development," explains Dr. Annegret Hilligus, who is coordinating "AKTIV UPB 2.0" at the PLAZ - Professional School of Education. "We will develop formats in which our student teachers acquire research methodological skills in order to reflect on how globally, nationally and locally formulated requirements can be effectively implemented in schools in collaborative research projects," says Prof. Dr. Christine Freitag, explaining the aim of the project. She is the project manager for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Paderborn University.
In addition to the research methodological perspectives on working in international teams, the project also involves joint reflection and testing of aspects of sustainable development relevant to teaching. The composition of the teams from very different regions of the world with very different challenges enables valuable changes of perspective. Two "summer schools" in Paderborn and two in digital format will serve to explore the topics in greater depth.
Prof. Dr.Torsten Meier, Vice President for International Relations at Paderborn University, underlines the importance of "AKTIV UPB 2.0": "The project is a prime example of how forward-looking research and development are being shaped at Paderborn University through profitable cooperation between local and international stakeholders." The project is one of a total of 36 model projects at German universities selected by the DAAD for the "Lehramt.International" programme. From 2025 to 2029, the universities involved in this programme will receive a total of 20 million euros to support the internationalisation of their teacher training courses.
This text was translated automatically.
