Pioneering impulses for the dual Master's degree in teaching at BTU

The aim of the series held on the Senftenberg university campus is to further promote the Senftenberg model of teacher training, which has been developed and implemented at BTU since 2022.

The 7th Senftenberg Workshop continued the work that began with a successful workshop on the dual teacher training programme in October 2024. It offered both inspiring plenary discussions and focussed working groups that funded lively exchanges and productive approaches. The thematic focus of the workshop was once again on the participatory further development of the concept for the dual Master's degree programme in Primary Education, which is due to start in the winter semester of 2026/27. This study programme promises a high level of practical relevance by linking the learning and training locations of university and school as well as partially integrating the preparatory service.

The event on 9 April 2025 was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK) and Education, Youth and Sport (MBJS) as well as stakeholders from the State Institute for School and Teacher Training in the State of Brandenburg (LIBRA). In addition, representatives from the Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research (ZeLB) at the University of Potsdam, the Institute for Further Qualification in Education at the University of Potsdam (W.i.B.), the Brandenburg Teachers' Association, teachers from the University of Potsdam and the Institute for Education Sciences at BTU as well as students on the Bachelor's degree programme in Primary Education were also enthusiastic participants. Not forgetting the active participation of the Cottbus Education Centre, the Cottbus Education Authority, representatives from primary schools in the region and the town of Senftenberg, whose mayor Andreas Pfeiffer attended in person.

In lively discussions, the concept developed in intensive coordination processes between BTU, MWFK, MBJS and Pädagogisches Zentrum Cottbus was put through its paces, key challenges identified and possible solutions discussed. The diverse opinions and experiences of the participants provided valuable suggestions for further development and implementation. The challenges identified will now be worked on further in order to finalise the concept for the dual Master's degree course in teaching and prepare for implementation.

Prof. Dr Peer Schmidt, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), emphasises: "We see the format of the Senftenberg workshop with an appreciative and productive struggle between all stakeholders as the key to creating the best possible conditions for success for the dual teacher training programme. In the end, our students will benefit significantly from this. In a Germany-wide comparison of the development of concepts for the dual teacher training programme, we are far ahead with our approach."

Prof. Dr Juliane Noack Napoles, head of the degree programme, aptly summarises the importance of the event: "The lively exchange and cooperation between all those involved in teacher training in Brandenburg is indispensable. Through this cooperative effort, we can not only overcome the challenges, but also develop innovative solutions that make the teaching profession attractive and promote its professionalisation."

Toni Scharkowski, headteacher of a primary school in Golßen, emphasises: "I found participating in the Senftenberg workshops very enriching. The event was professionally organised and facilitated an intensive exchange between a wide range of stakeholders. The openness to both praise and critical registering for the following semester was particularly positive. It is by no means a matter of course that so many perspectives are heard and included in the development of a study programme. The Senftenberg workshops are a successful example of active co-operation and future-oriented educational development.

Juliane Hohlfeld, a student on the Bachelor's degree programme in Primary Education, adds: "The Senftenberg workshop on the dual Master's programme showed very impressively how far the planning of the dual Master's programme has already progressed. It was very interesting for me as a student to see what the future of the study programme looks like and which aspects are being given special attention. We have the privilege of being taken on board here at the BTU as students so that we can voice our objections, concerns and ideas and be heard."

The positive feedback from participants underlines the success of the "Senftenberg Workshops" and marks another milestone on the way to forward-looking teacher training in Brandenburg!

Prof. Dr Juliane Noack Napoles is available as a contact person for further information on the event or the dual Master's degree programme in Teacher Education.