Teacher Education in Mathematics
Overview
At JLU, teacher training degree programs are offered for all types of schools. The teacher training degree programs are distinguished by their respective designations:
- L1 for teacher training at primary schools (further information)
- L2 for teacher training at Haupt- and Realschulen (further information)
- L3 for teacher training at Gymnasien (further information)
- L4 for teacher training at vocational schools (further information)
- L5 for teacher training in special education (further information)
Profile
Teacher training in mathematics is divided into the three areas Subject Mathematics, Mathematics Didactics, and Foundational Sciences. Subject-specific requirements differ significantly depending on the intended teaching qualification:
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Gymnasium Teacher Training (L3): Students complete selected modules together with students in the subject Bachelor in Mathematics. For this degree program, you should enjoy logical problem-solving as well as have an interest in delving deeply into complex topics and analyzing abstract structures.
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Haupt- and Realschule Teacher Training (L2): The program includes three subject-specific modules designed specifically for this degree program, taught by instructors in subject mathematics.
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Primary School Teacher Training (L1): The range of courses here is provided entirely by the Institute for Mathematics Didactics and is optimally tailored to the requirements of primary education.
Structure
L3 Mathematics Program
The L3 Mathematics degree program at JLU Giessen includes subject-specific and didactic modules on Linear Algebra and Algebra in the first year of study. Modules on Analysis and its didactics follow in the second year. The mandatory practical semester at a school is completed in either the 6th or 7th semester; depending on this choice, the remainder of the study plan is arranged individually. The sample plan below outlines the variant with the practical semester in the 6th semester. Elective subject-specific modules available include Algebra, Analysis 3, Numerical Analysis, Cryptography, or Discrete Structures. The program concludes with the academic thesis (State Examination thesis) as well as the examinations of the First State Examination, conducted by the Hessian Teachers' Academy.
| Semester | Subject-Specific Modules | Didactics Modules |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linear Algebra 1, Seminar | Didactics of Algebra |
| 2 | Linear Algebra 2, Seminar | Didactics of Algebra |
| 3 | Analysis 1 | Didactics of Analysis |
| 4 | Analysis 2 | Didactics of Analysis |
| 5 | Stochastics | Preparation for Practical Semester |
| 6 | - | Practical Semester, Seminar |
| 7 | Elective Module | - |
| 8 | Geometry | Didactics of Geometry |
L2/L5 Mathematics Program
Subject-specific education in the L2/L5 Mathematics degree program at JLU Giessen takes place during the first three semesters through the modules "Scientific Foundations of Mathematics Studies" (WGMS). The mandatory practical semester at a school takes place either in the 5th or 6th semester and is prepared for by a module in the 4th semester.
The subsequent course of study varies depending on the timing of the practical semester. Below, the schedule with the practical semester in the 6th semester is outlined as an example. Elective subjects available in subject mathematics include Algebra, Analysis 3, Numerical Analysis, Cryptography, and Discrete Structures.
| Semester | Subject-Specific Modules | Didactics Modules |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WGMS 1 – Geometry | – |
| 2 | WGMS 2 – Algebra | Didactics of Geometry |
| 3 | WGMS 3 – Combinatorics and Stochastics | Didactics of Algebra |
| 4 | – | Methodology of Mathematics Teaching |
| 5 | – | Preparation for Practical Semester, Seminar |
| 6 | – | Practical Semester |
L1 Mathematics Program
In primary school teacher training (L1), you study a total of three teaching subjects. You choose one of them as an in-depth major subject (Langfach), which includes additional subject-specific content from the Realschule level (L2). The study plans for mathematics as a minor (Kurzfach) or major subject (Langfach) are structured as follows:
Mathematics as a minor subject (Kurzfach) is studied over 4 semesters and is conducted entirely by the Institute for Mathematics Didactics:
| Semester | Modules |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics for Grades 1–4 |
| 2 | Mathematics for Grades 1–4 |
| 3 | Didactics of Mathematics in Primary School |
| 4 | Didactics of Mathematics in Primary School |
If mathematics is the major subject (Langfach), a practical semester is completed in mathematics during the fifth or sixth semester. A possible study plan with the practical semester in the fifth semester is shown below.
| Semester | Modules |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics for Grades 1–4 |
| 2 | Mathematics for Grades 1–4 |
| 3 | Didactics of Mathematics in Primary School |
| 4 | Didactics of Mathematics in Primary School |
| 5 | WGMS I or III Practical Semester, Preparation Seminar |
| 6 | Practical Semester, Implementation, Seminar, Evaluation |
Preparation
Formalities
The basis of the degree program is formed by the Study Regulations. There you will also find a sample study schedule and module descriptions for the offered modules.
The Examination Office at the Center for Teacher Education is responsible for examination procedures.
Academic Counseling
The academic advisors for the degree program are Oleg Davydov and Klaus Metsch. Please arrange an appointment via email.