Bielefeld School of Education - BiSEd

Research learning

Research-based learning has taken on a new significance in teacher education [Centre for teaching and learning]. This is linked to the expectation that future teachers will acquire a research-oriented, reflective attitude that will shape all phases of teacher education.

Students gain their first experience of this during their first theory-in-practice course in the Bachelor course. In the practical studies for professional orientation with aptitude reflection (OPSE), the focus is on scientific observation and theory-informed reflection.

The research processes in the practical semester with preparatory training in the form of study projects focus on the professional biographical professionalization process. The intended theory-practice linkage aims at reflecting the experiences and findings gained in the research process against the background of one's own professional development. To this end, students identify issues relevant to the teaching profession and address them in their study projects. At the same time, the research activity is embedded in the further activities at the internship schools (teaching under supervision, participation in school life) and can relate to both teaching and extracurricular aspects. Five variants are available for the preparation of the study projects:

• Research on one's own teaching practice activity.
• Research in other people's teaching
• Research in school development processes
• Individual case work on diagnosis and support
• Research on biographical approvals and/or own professionalization process

Different research methods can be used in the study projects (questioning, observation, content analysis, etc.). A central prerequisite is respectful and appreciative interaction with all staff, teachers, parents and other pedagogical staff involved. When carrying out the study projects, the respective school conditions must also be taken into account. Further information on data protection aspects of the study projects can be found here.

Since the practical semester with preparatory training has been implemented since February 2015, a wide range of experience with the research activities is already available. Examples of study projects already carried out in the sense of good practice can be found on the homepage of the Center for Research-Based Learning in Theory-in-Practice Courses.