International teacher training: Math Digital connects cultures and methodology

International teacher training: Math Digital connects cultures and methodology

The International Summer School of the “math digital” project at the PH Schwäbisch Gmünd recently took place and was funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation as part of the BWS plus program. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Silke Ladel, institutions such as Rhodes University Makhanda from South Africa, Griffith University Queensland from Australia and PH Schwäbisch Gmünd took part. The aim of this international event is networking in teacher training and the further development of the training of prospective teachers.

A central topic of the summer school was the understanding of place value, i.e. the ability to understand numbers as structured units. This is particularly important for mathematical thinking, such as converting quantities and calculating with decimal numbers. The participants worked in workshops to develop sustainable number concepts in children. Action-oriented approaches and language played an essential role.

International networking and exchange

Particular attention was paid to the inverse ways of speaking and writing tens and ones that occur in German-speaking countries. The role of language in mathematical learning was addressed through the international exchange of didactic approaches. The activities also included class visits to the Alemannenschule Hüttlingen and the elementary school in Hardt, where the participants designed their own teaching sequences.

The “math digital” project effectively combines scientific research, international exchange and practice-oriented teacher training. In addition, the Baden-Württemberg SCHOLARSHIP has been promoting international exchange of students and young professionals since 2001. Over 28,000 young people have been given the opportunity to gain experience abroad. Around 1,500 scholarships are awarded every year.

Application and selection process

Applications for the Baden-Württemberg SCHOLARSHIP can only be made via the International Office or the International Office of the respective university. Information on how to apply is also available there. The universities in Baden-Württemberg pre-select applications as part of their processes and coordinate them with the international university. Ultimately, the Baden-Württemberg Foundation makes the final decision about awarding the scholarships.

Another important program is the DAAD offer Lehramt.International, which enables teacher training students to experience school and lessons abroad. The next application phase for scholarships in this program is approaching. Applications for internships in non-EU countries are due between September 1st. and December 1st, 2025, during the application period for the Lehramt.International program from June 1st. until 30.06. lasts.

In summary, teaching graduates can apply for a scholarship to gain valuable experience in an international context. Further information about internships abroad can be found on the homepage and in the presentation of the information event on the stay abroad during teacher training studies. Further details about the summer school and its relevance can be found at PH Schwäbisch Gmünd, Information about the Baden-Württemberg SCHOLARSHIP is available bw-stipendium.de available and everything about the Lehramt.International scholarship programs can be found on the website University of Mannheim.