(FAU Funds)
Duration: 01/02/2025 – 31/12/2025
Abstract
The diagnosis of language competencies is gaining increasing importance in vocational education due to growing linguistic challenges faced by learners in the German language. Assessing the initial language level at the beginning of vocational training is essential for providing targeted subsequent support. In addition, language development must be monitored throughout vocational training in order to address potential difficulties in final examinations at an early stage. Until now, no assessment instruments specifically tailored to vocational education have been available.
Together with Prof. Michalak (FAU), the Nuremberg Vocational Schools German Test (NBD-T) was developed to address this gap. It is a fully automated assessment instrument that provides immediate feedback to both learners and teachers.
The NBD-T supports graduates of Business and Vocational Education programs in implementing the mandatory teaching principle Berufssprache Deutsch required for all vocational teachers in Bavaria. Students are introduced to the NBD-T during their studies and apply it during practical training phases.
The project includes a binational comparison of experiences, as German-speaking countries face similar challenges while assessment instruments must also account for context-specific characteristics. The project examines whether a test developed in Germany can be applied in Switzerland or whether adaptations are required. At the same time, approaches to language support based on the assessment results are discussed across national contexts.
(FAU Funds)
Duration: 23/10/2024 – 22/01/2025
Abstract
In the winter semester 2024/25, FAU master’s students in Business Education had the opportunity to redesign learning tasks from the subject Politics and History in a language-sensitive manner. The materials were aligned with concrete language competence profiles of a vocational school class, previously identified using the Nuremberg Vocational Schools German Test (NBD-T).
Under the interdisciplinary supervision of Prof. Dr. Nicole Kimmelmann and Prof. Dr. Magdalena Michalak, students developed teaching units that address both curriculum requirements and the subject-specific and linguistic demands of final examinations.
The materials developed in the seminar are integrated into the work of the working group AK-PuG “Digital and Language-Sensitive Learning Environments” and can be directly used by vocational school teachers, thereby contributing to regional school development.
(FAU Funds)
Duration: 01/02/2024 – 19/07/2024
Abstract
Intersectional and inclusion-oriented approaches to diversity represent a key challenge in teacher education across national contexts, particularly in relation to migration and inclusion in vocational education. Germany and Switzerland are guided by different understandings of inclusion, which result in distinct approaches within vocational education practice.
The project focuses on interdisciplinary exchange formats between Business and Vocational Education, Educational Sciences, and Special Education. Academic exchange takes place at both lecturer and student levels and supports comparative reflection on national contexts as well as the further development of inclusion-oriented concepts.
(Internal project)
Duration: since 01/01/2022
Abstract
Commissioned by the Office for Vocational Schools of the City of Nuremberg, this project develops a digital, standardized test to assess language competencies at the beginning of vocational training. The test is based on the concept of basic qualifications according to Ehlich (2008), allows fully automated evaluation, and is aligned with typical vocational action situations.
The aim is to provide a scientifically sound and practically applicable instrument for language assessment as well as for subsequent language-sensitive and adaptive support.
(FAU Funds)
Duration: 01/10/2021 – 31/01/2024
Abstract
The intercultural training program is aimed at refugee academics with degrees recognized in Germany who participate in the FAU Integra Talent Integration Network Talentgrate. As part of the program, participants complete six-month internships with partner companies.
(Internal project)
Duration: since 01/09/2021
(Internal project)
Duration: 01/04/2020 – 31/03/2022
(Internal project)
Duration: since 01/04/2019
(Internal project)
Duration: 01/04/2019 – 30/09/2021