CoPrax – Community of Practice zur Stärkung der Kohärenz im dualen Studienangebot Lehramt Regelschule

The research project examines how collaboration between universities, school authorities and training schools within the dual degree programme for teaching at mainstream schools can be systematically structured and further developed. The starting point is the dual degree model introduced at the University of Erfurt, which is characterised by a close integration of academic study and school practice and therefore places new demands on coordination, communication and cooperation between the institutions involved.

At the heart of the project is the establishment of a cross-institutional Community of Practice (CoP), which functions as a permanent working and exchange structure at the interfaces of the dual study programme. The aim is to develop joint working processes, integrate theory and practice more closely, and promote the transfer of knowledge and the professionalisation of all participants in the long term. Among other things, cooperative formats, communication structures and materials for practical support will be jointly developed, tested and refined.

The project addresses existing challenges such as differing institutional logics, time structures and working cultures, which have so far led to an increased need for coordination and uncertainty regarding roles and responsibilities. At the same time, it harnesses the potential inherent in these challenges for shared learning and development processes. By systematically embedding cooperative structures, CoPrax contributes to the further development of a coherent, profession-oriented teacher training programme.

Those involved in the project are Dr Ina Semper, Prof. Dr Petra Knorr and Hannes Seifert (University of Erfurt), Juliane Voigt (State Education Authority of Southern Thuringia), as well as Maria-Magdalena Lessat and Sylvia Luck as heads of dual training schools.

As part of the Stifterverband’s “WandelBar” programme (Forum for a Change of Perspective in Teacher Training), the project will receive funding until February 2027 and will be supported conceptually, for example through advisory and networking services.

News entry: “CoPrax” – University of Erfurt successful in the Stifterverband's "WandelBar" funding programme
“CoPrax” project page (in German)