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First State Examination at the English Department: Procedure

The State Examination in English is either a written or an oral examination. In either case, the examination consists of a subject-specific (Literary and Cultural Studies or Linguistics) as well as a TEFL part. At least one part of the exam must be taken in English. Of course, candidates also have the option to conduct the examination entirely in English.

 

Rationale of the Examination 

The rationale of the State Examination in TEFL is to demonstrate profound knowledge of English as a Foreign Language pedagogy, integrating both theoretical and practical aspects, as well as a mastery of specific terminology of the discipline. It is desirable to exhibit the ability to reflect on the academic discourse critically and with reference to the literature. This is not simply a matter of summarising and reproducing the literature you have read in preparation for the exam (see reading lists), but rather an in-depth and nuanced reflection on Teaching English as a Foreign Language in form of an academic discussion with the examiner.

Exam Topics

The examination in TEFL covers three subtopics, which are negotiated individually during consultation with the respective examiner (see office hours for scheduling). During the examination, questions on theoretical concepts and practical teaching activities will be posed and discussed for each subtopic. Candidates are required to select three topics, ensuring that all distinct aspects are covered:
Subtopic Examples
Language and Media
  • Teaching Grammar, Teaching Vocabulary, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-based Language Teaching, etc.
  • Course Book Analysis, Audio-visual Media, Using Blogs in the EFL Classroom, Video-based Teaching, CALL/ MALL, Technology in the EFLC, Digitalisation, etc.

Literature and Culture
  • Teaching Short Stories, Short Literary Forms, Teaching Young Adult Fiction, Approaching Graphic Novels, Teaching Picture Books, Electronic Literature, etc.
  • Intercultural Communicative Competence and Intercultural Learning with a focus on a selected anglophone target culture (e.g. Teaching ICC: Focus on Ireland/England/Australia, etc.)
Although not compulsory, we encourage you to choose subtopics that are consistent with (or build upon) the topics of seminars you have attended during your course of studies. We recommend that you have attended at least one seminar in each of the specified areas during your studies!

Important note: A subtopic must not overlap with the topic of your final thesis or with a topic chosen for the other part of the examination (Literary and Cultural Studies/Linguistics).

Reading List

A list of relevant literature representing the academic discourse for each of the three chosen examination topics must be compiled and brought to a consultation appointment with the examiner no later than six weeks after registering for the exam. Your examiner will give you a deadline by which you should have discussed your literature with him/her at the latest. The literature must be compiled in such a way that both theoretical and practical aspects of teaching can be discussed. For further information, please consult the FAQs below.
  • FAQ: Preparing Reading Lists for the State Examination in TEFL

Which references are acceptable for my reading list?

Works of reference need to be considered as well as leading authors and specialists in the field of TEFL. Since you are about to take a State Exam in Germany, the German academic discourse should not be overlooked. Please mind that the reading list should give priority to more recent titles in TEFL research.

In the case of literature and film, both primary and secondary texts should be included. For example, if “Teaching Young Adult Literature” is your chosen subtopic, include 5 literary texts suitable for different age groups.

How many references do I need to include?

The individual lists for the subtopics should at least comprise eight references. It is advisable to include two to three monographs and an additional four to five articles from relevant journals. In total, your reading list should contain approximately 24 titles (3 x 8).

You may wish to consult academic journals such as Praxis Fremdsprachenunterricht, Der fremdsprachliche Unterricht – Englisch, Praxis Englisch, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Language Learning, SYSTEM - An International Journal of Educational Technology and Applied Linguistics, etc.

How to format the reading list?

Reading lists must follow the English Department’s style sheet that is available here. This ensures uniformity and clarity in formatting.

When do I need to submit my reading lists?

Your examiner will give you a deadline by which you should have discussed your literature with him/her at the latest.

Authorised Examiners

The 1st State Examination in TEFL is conducted by the following persons:

L1
  • Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kurtz
  • Prof. Dr. Ivo Steininger

  • Dr. Lambrini (Lana) Loumbourdi (oral examination only)
L2/L3
  • Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kurtz
  • Prof. Dr. Ivo Steininger
  • Dr. Leo Will (oral examination only)
L5
  • Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kurtz
  • Prof. Dr. Ivo Steininger

(Pre-)Registration Process for the State Examination

Please note: The registration described here does not replace the mandatory registration for the examination at the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie (Prüfungsstelle Giessen)! Further details regarding the First State Examination for modularised teacher training courses can be found here.


All students in the TEFL program must pre-register to ensure a balanced distribution of the examination load among examiners. Registration for the State Examination is limited to two specific periods:

  • November to mid-April for examinations in autumn of the calendar year.
  • May to mid-October for examinations in spring of the following year.

Please refer to the online application form here for exact closing dates.

  • How to Register

Step 1: Complete the Online Registration Form

Please fill in the application form accessible here. Your registration is binding. Cancellation is permitted only in justified cases.

Please note: This is only the pre-registration at the institute and only for the TEFL examination! You must also register independently with the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie for the examinations for the first state examination. In addition, L2-, L3- and L5-students need to find an examiner for either literary studies or linguistics!

Step 2: Receive Confirmation

After the registration deadline and upon succesful registration, you will be assigned an examiner and receive a confirmation email sent to your JLU email address with the subject "Prüferbestätigung". This email can be presented to the Lehrkräfteakademie in place of the examiner’s signature from the TEFL department.

FAQs: Exam Entry

Do I still have to register at the  Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie?

Absolutely, yes! The examination is not possible without official registration at the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie. Detailed information about the registration process can be accessed here.

Do I need a signature from my examiner?

No, you will receive an examiner confirmation via email in due time before the deadline. This confirmation can be submitted to the Lehrkräfteakademie in lieu of an examiner’s signature.

Can I choose an examiner?

When registering for the exam in the TEFL department via the online registration form, you can specify your preferred examiner. While we will make every effort to accommodate your preference, but please note that – due to the high number of examinations – we have to distribute the examination load fairly. As soon as the final allocation has been determined, you will be notified. However, we guarantee that when you fulfil all the necessary requirements of the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie, you will in any case be examined in English didactics at the specified time.

Can I still withdraw from the exam after I have already registered?

Yes, you can. If you are considering withdrawal from examinations, you should speak to your examiner to ensure that withdrawal is the appropriate option. However, if you choose to withdraw from the exam, this decision results in forfeiture of your rights to the selected examination topics. Should you decide to participate in the subsequent examination session, you will be required to agree new topics with examiner. Any cancellation must also be formally submitted to the secretary’s office in addition to the Prüfungsamt.

The regulations do not allow you to withdraw after the written part of the examination is complete.