"We will continue to expand this location"

The minister was a guest at the BTU on the fringes of the cabinet meeting of the state government in the district of Oberspreewald-Lausitz. Senftenberg's mayor Andreas Pfeiffer and Wolfgang Roick, member of the state parliament, also took the opportunity to find out more about the study programme in Primery Education.

After the meeting, Minister Schüle said:"The first student teachers in Senftenberg are real pioneers. I am impressed by the enthusiasm, conviction and enjoyment with which they have started their studies and have already gained their first insights into schools. This shows that our concept is working: a regional training program for Lusatia, lots of practical experience right from the start, great schools in the region as partners. The accolade for the study programme was the 'University Pearl of the Month' award from the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft in October. It was only possible to set up the program in record time because everyone involved worked closely together in a spirit of trust and high motivation. I am delighted that everyone who wanted a place got one - even beyond the capacity limits. After all, we will urgently need these graduates in the future. One thing is already clear: it will not remain at 60 students - we will continue to expand this location."

In the course of the meeting, the students had drawn a consistently positive conclusion of the first two months of their studies in the study programme in Primary Education led by Prof. Dr. Juliane Noack Napoles. Marie Schicketanz emphasized the high practical relevance of the course and the opportunity to gain experience in schools. Marius Kotzsch, who came to BTU Senftenberg from near Dresden, said: "I'm very satisfied. The concept convinced me. If I had the choice again, I would go back to BTU."
Alisea Neuhoff from Bad Freienwalde could have studied in a big city, but opted for Senftenberg - both because of the courses on offer and because of the "very pleasant impression" that the town made on her during a preliminary visit and still does. Lisa-Marie Kuhnt emphasized: "Our privilege is that we have great lecturers who are forward-thinking, show us new methods and don't stick to the old ways."

Katharina Weinhold, Lecturer in Primary School Education, explained that the design options in the new study programme are particularly important to her.
Matthias Kleinow, Lecturer in Education Sciences and Head of the Learning Workshop, where the discussion with the Minister took place, explained the further development of the courses on offer. He pointed out the advantages of the family campus compared to a mass university and, like the students, spoke about the close contact between lecturers and students. Every week, students complete a practical day at a school of their choice. "We have the opportunity here to respond very directly to the students' practical experience and incorporate it into our teaching," emphasized the academic.

"I am delighted that you are doing well, that you are enjoying your studies and that you feel you have made the right decision," said Science Minister Dr. Manja Schüle to the students, offering them her personal support.