What competencies do teachers and trainers need? How can learning programmes be designed effectively? How do the learning prerequisites and needs of adults differ? How are digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) changing teaching and learning? These are some of the questions addressed by the ‘Teaching and Learning’ research department.
Staff conduct research into teaching and learning processes in various contexts within adult and continuing education. They focus on the professional competencies of teachers and trainers, the learning prerequisites and needs of adult learners and the design and impact of learning programmes. The department aims to provide insights that support teachers and trainers, further education institutions and policymakers in developing scientifically sound learning programmes tailored to learners' needs.
The department’s work centres on four key areas:
Professional development of teachers and trainers
Teachers and trainers play a key role in ensuring the quality and success of continuing education. The department investigates the professional competencies they require for their work and how these can be assessed and developed. Another focus is on competence-based recognition and certification, for instance via modular certificates and microcredentials. Based on this research, it develops concepts and materials to support teachers and trainers in their professional development and promote the transfer of academic findings into practice.
Learning prerequisites and effective learning programmes
Adults bring a variety of experiences, knowledge and expectations to learning processes. The department investigates how these prerequisites can be considered when designing learning programmes and which design features support learning, motivation and knowledge transfer. Particular focus is placed on digital and video-based learning programmes and on how such programmes can be designed to adapt to different target groups and learning contexts.
Basic language education
Language is a key prerequisite for education and social participation. The department investigates how adults can further develop their language skills in German, both as a first and a second language. Furthermore, it addresses the question of how research findings on language education can be adapted for specific target groups and communicated to educational practice, administration and policy-making.
Teaching and learning with AI
Digital technologies are fundamentally transforming adult and continuing education. The department investigates how digital media and AI can effectively support teaching and learning processes. Other key research areas include digital assessment formats and analysing learning data to improve understanding of learning processes and develop educational programmes more effectively.
