It is entitled "Quality and effectiveness of teacher training-related Master's degree programs in Baden-Württemberg (QuaWiDual)". Since March 2025, the study has been funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts with a total of up to €300,000 over three years.
In the winter semester of 2024/2025, dual Master's degree courses for the general and vocational teaching profession were launched in Baden-Württemberg as part of a pilot project at three teacher training university locations - specifically for graduates of relevant bachelor's degree courses without Teacher Education-related training. This new study format provides them with an additional, structured and practice-integrated route into the teaching profession. After a four-semester Master's degree course, students acquire a Master of Education. The close integration of practical phases in schools and teaching-related course content also qualifies them for a preparatory period of service prior to the teaching profession, which is shortened to twelve months and follows directly after the Master's degree. The aim is to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the education sector in a targeted manner - particularly in high-demand general STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, physics) and vocational subjects (Electrical Engineering, Information Technology).
The pilot project is being scientifically supported by the QuaWiDual project, which will comprehensively evaluate the introduction, implementation, quality and effectiveness of the new dual study programs over a period of three years. The focus is not only on the courses themselves, but also on the transition into the shortened preparatory period of service prior to qualifying for the teaching profession and ultimately into professional practice at school.
"The evaluation study is characterized by a mixed-method approach in which qualitative and quantitative research methods are used to look at central aspects such as study conditions, student characteristics and skills development," says Prof. Dr. Dana Bergmann from the Institute of Education at Osnabrück University. At the heart of the project are interdisciplinary quality circles in which the current results are reflected upon and further developed together with the universities, colleges, study seminars and school partners.
The aim of QuaWiDual is twofold: on the one hand, to enable innovative access to the teaching profession and, on the other, to ensure and further develop the quality of training across all phases. The project thus sends out an important signal for future-oriented and scientifically sound teacher training in Germany.
Further information for the media:
Prof. Dr. Dana Bergmann, Osnabrück University
Institute of Education
dana.bergmann@uni-osnabrueck.de
