Research-based learning
Research-based learning
Research-based learning is a compulsory component of the teacher training degree programmes and is implemented by linking it with practical school studies and by deepening it in other study modules. Modules with specific formats (e.g. in the OLELA teaching-learning rooms) provide the framework for research-based professional learning. Self-organised study projects (e.g. for final theses) enable students to plan, design and carry out learning and research processes independently and on their own responsibility.
Research-based learning - what is it?
Research-based teaching and learning is a didactic approach that locates learning in research: students and teachers jointly design learning events for which it is specific that what has been learnt can be continuously problematised as the subject of research that has not yet been completed. In this way, students become independent and active learners.
Teachers support this process by teaching in a way that does not close the subject matter, but opens it up to the students' research-based approach. Students should go through the essential phases of a collaborative or individual, but always open-ended research process and thus independently develop competences and expand their knowledge.
These phases include the development of a research question, the literature-based classification in the state of research, the well-founded selection of a theoretical approach and a research method, the implementation of a method-guided investigation or development, the evaluation and interpretation of the research results, the formulation and presentation of the research results and their critical reflection. The research process thus becomes a learning environment in which research can be understood and critically reflected upon as an active construction process.
Research-based learning in teacher training in Oldenburg: theory-practice spaces
In the Oldenburg teacher training programme, the Oldenburg teaching-teaching rooms in particular offer the opportunity for research-based learning as theory-practice rooms. Theory-practice rooms are places where theory and practice are interlinked, in which student teachers teach groups of pupils on the basis of lesson plans that they have developed in advance in university courses under the guidance of teachers, and which are then critically reflected upon.
Subject-specific technical equipment is available in the theory-practice rooms, which is continuously updated with regard to new focal points. In addition, in some theory-practice rooms, contact with the teaching behaviour of the future target group is also made possible by means of video vignettes. The focus of the videographed teaching sequences is on videos in which the main content of teacher training at the University of Oldenburg as well as typical problems of the respective subject teaching are addressed. In addition to promoting the professionalisation of students, the theory-practice rooms also serve the further training of school teachers and Oldenburg's research into teacher training.
Research-based learning as a compulsory curricular component of teacher training programmes
In the tradition of teacher training in Oldenburg, all teacher training degree programmes are characterised by a close interlocking of theory and practice. The development of a research-based attitude and the ability of our students to reflect professionally, as well as the interlinking of theory and practice to strengthen their professional skills, are target components of the mission statement for teacher training programmes.
Accordingly, research-based learning is a compulsory curricular component of the teacher training degree programmes, which is implemented as part of practical school studies and other study modules. Both practical school and research methodology modules integrate research-based learning and offer students space for independent and autonomous planning, implementation and reflection of learning and research processes.
In the following, we provide teachers and students with target group-specific handouts on "Research-based learning in teacher training".
Support with surveys and enquiries in schools
You can find information on surveys and surveys in schools on the following page:
"Handout on research-based learning" for teachers
Research-based learning in teacher training programmes - aspects of design and implementation
The handout "Forschendes Lernen im Lehramtsstudium - Aspekte der Gestaltung und Umsetzung: Eine Handreichung für Lehrende" makes a special contribution to the qualitative further development of teaching concepts for research-based learning, which represent a special profile feature of our university in general, but also specifically of teacher training in Oldenburg. Based on the specific requirements of research-based learning in teacher training, key factors for the design and implementation of effective teaching concepts are presented and supplemented with fundamental literature. The work offers both experienced and new teachers in this subject area a sound basis for the professional implementation and further development of our profile focus in studies and teaching.
The handbook is available for free download on the Oldenburg Online Publication Server (OOPS):
General information on the concept of "research-based learning" at the University of Oldenburg and on funding opportunities for teachers and students can be found on the following pages of the Department for Study Affairs (University Didactics and forschen@studium).