Technology Education and Vocational-Technical Teacher Preparation in Germany.

Overview & Synopsis

A feature of teacher training in Germany is its high degree of professionalization: it is on the same level with other studies, such as medicine. University education includes not only a specialization in technology, but also studies in pedagogy. An essential factor is the close connection with the future professional career, achieved by teaching practice in parallel with university education. This comprehensive approach to teacher training runs the risk, however, that students can later find employment only at schools or similar institutions. Employment as an engineer, for example, is rendered impossible because design work does not take a central position during studies for the teaching profession. There are standards throughout the country for university studies for the teaching professions, enabling graduates to find positions in any of the states. The teacher training program may change, however, as it becomes increasingly necessary to make university degrees compatible throughout the European Community. At present, it is impossible for graduates of universities in other countries to become teachers in Germany because of the state examinations required. (KC)