Physics M.Ed., Gymnasium and Gesamtschule Teacher

 

Program Components

Two subjects are also combined in Master's teacher training studies. The combination possibilities for the teacher training subjects are identical with those in the corresponding Bachelor courses of study.

Master's teacher training studies includes not only the two subjects but other elements as well:

• Educational studies
• Practical semester
• German for School Students with an Immigration Background (DSSZ)

 

Degree Content

The Master's course of study in physics teacher training prepares students for the second training period of preparatory service and for lifelong continued education as a physics teacher.

Subject-Didactic and Practical School Studies

During the first two semesters students delve into knowledge acquired during Bachelor studies about teaching and learning physics, which is then used in application-oriented seminars in order to prepare them for completing the practical semester.

Students consider the results of physics-related teaching-learning research when planning and conducting physics teaching units. They learn to use different teaching media and to plan different experiments into lessons, while also being able to theoretically explain them. Students acquire substantiated knowledge about misconceptions school students have and related learning difficulties, and develop strategies to adequately handle them.

By working on a smaller subject-didactic research project during the practical semester, students gain an advanced look into the methodology and results of newer subject-didactic research. With the introduction of theoretical fundamentals and the completion and results of the project in the subject-didactic accompanying seminar, students learn a theoretically substantiated reflection of planning and designing their physics lessons. Presenting the project in the seminar and at the final colloquium requires them to practice their ability to orally present and discuss scientific results.

Technical Studies

Students acquire generic, advanced, technical knowledge in physics, in order to be able to follow and evaluate results in modern physics research and to include new topics in lessons. Typically, students have focuses in solid body physics and particle and astrophysics, since these are also research focuses at RWTH Aachen.

Additionally, the close relationship between physics and technology and the meaning of physics for historical and current developments in human history are exemplarily illustrated in the seminar "Von der Lochkamera zur Digicam“ and made usable for transdisciplinary lessons.

The conclusive Master's thesis in physics draws on research-relevant problems and facilitates transferable skills such as project management, team work, and illustrating and presenting research results.

Study Abroad

The Faculty has several international partner universities with which it has well-established links, such as collaborations in teaching and research as well as exchange programs such as ERASMUS+. An overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs can be found at: Overview of Exchange Options. Information on the feasibility of stays abroad provides the Study Abroad Advising of the Faculty or the Departmental Advisors.

 

Prerequisites

First University Degree

An initial university degree is required to begin a Master's teacher training program. An initial degree from a university of applied sciences is also acceptable to be admitted to studies for one of the “big vocational subjects” in combination with one of the respective “small vocational subjects” The exact technical educational background required is summarized in the examination regulation. The examination board is responsible for determining if admissions requirements have been fulfilled.

Language Requirements

In order to be admitted to teaching practice students must provide documentation of skills in two foreign languages. The university entrance qualification typically fulfills this. Students, who did not learn German as a native speaker and acquired their university entrance qualification in German, only need to submit proof of knowledge of one additional language.

Only one foreign language is required for students pursuing a combination with at least one professional subject for teacher training at a vocational school.

 

Career Prospects

You can find information from the NRW Ministry of Schools about the career prospects for various fields of teaching through 2039/2040 in the brochure Prognoses on the Job Market for Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia (de).

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

General Regulations: Comprehensive Exam Regulations of RWTH Aachen Master Teaching Training for Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, and Berufskollegs

Special Regulations: Subject Specific Exam Regulations (de) (The current version applies to all first year students.)

 

Faculty

Studies in Physics are offered by the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.