Toward Making Didactics a Subject of Knowledge Engineering

Learning systems suffer from a lack of an explicit and adaptable didactic design. A way to overcome such deficiencies is (semi-) formally representing the didactic design. A modeling approach, storyboarding, is outlined here. Storyboarding is setting the stage to apply Knowledge Engineering Technologies to verify, validate the didactics behind a learning process. As a vision, didactics can be refined according to revealed weaknesses and proven excellence. Furthermore, suc-cessful didactic patterns can be inductively inferred by analyzing the particular knowledge processing and its alleged contribution to learning success

Toward making didactics a subject of knowledge engineering

Learning systems suffer from a lack of an explicit and adaptable didactic design. A way to overcome such deficiencies is (semi-) formally representing the didactic design. A modeling approach, storyboarding, is outlined here. Storyboarding is setting the stage to apply Knowledge Engineering Technologies to verify, validate the didactics behind a learning process. As a vision, didactics can be refined according to revealed weaknesses and proven excellence. Furthermore, suc-cessful didactic patterns can be inductively inferred by analyzing the particular knowledge processing and its alleged contribution to learning success

Innovations in Vocational Education and Training – a Successful Paradigm Shift within the Dual System in Germany

In the 1990s, the system of dual vocational education and training (VET) witnessed the beginning of a restructuring, leading to a paradigm change away from emphasizing the holistic nature of the concept. Instead the work-process orientation was now considered the core asset of the concept. This step came as a surprise because the dual approach with the companies as the contractors for apprentices had implied that training had always been carried through in a practice oriented way on the basis of work-processes. Both educational planners and social partners were apparently convinced that this was no longer the case. It was generally agreed: Vocational training could no longer cater to the requirements of the industry. This article attempts to shed more light on the reasons for the necessity of a reform of the vocational education and training system. In this context central reform steps necessary to secure the future of the VET system (with the “dual” system as pivotal point) will be presented and discussed by focusing on the work-process orientation. Finally, some critical reflection will be added regarding the “transition system” which has more and more emerged as a parallel system of the “dual” system. (Orig.)In den 1990er-Jahren wurde damit begonnen, das System der dualen Berufsausbildung zu restrukturieren. Dies führte zu einem Paradigmenwechsel, der die Arbeitsprozessorientierung in das Zentrum der Neugestaltung stellte. Es überrascht, dass dieser Schritt getan wurde, weil der duale Ansatz mit den Betrieben als Vertragsgeber für Auszubildende ja erwarten lässt, dass immer sehr praxisnah und damit entlang von Arbeitsprozessen ausgebildet wurde. Das schien jedoch nach Auffassung von Bildungsplanern und Sozialpartnern nicht mehr der Fall zu sein. Zumindest – so der Tenor – wurde die Ausbildung den betrieblichen Anforderungen nicht mehr gerecht. Im Artikel werden die Gründe für die Notwendigkeit der Reformierung des beruflichen Ausbildungssystems beleuchtet. Darüber hinaus werden zentrale Reformschritte zur Zukunftssicherung des Ausbildungssystems (mit dem „dualen“ System als Dreh- und Angelpunkt) vorgestellt und diskutiert, wobei die Arbeitsprozessorientierung im Mittelpunkt steht. Eine knappe kritische Betrachtung erfolgt zudem aus der Perspektive des Übergangssystems, welches als Parallelsystem neben dem „dualen“ System entstanden ist. (Orig.

Developing Project Managers’ Transversal Competences Using Building Information Modeling

The emergence of building information modeling (BIM) methodology requires the training of professionals with both specific and transversal skills. In this paper, a project-based learning experience carried out in the context of a project management course at the University of Extremadura is analyzed. To that end, a questionnaire was designed and given to students who participated in the initiative. Results suggest that BIM can be considered a virtual learning environment, from which students value the competences developed. The emotional performance observed was quite flat. Similarly, students valued the usefulness of the initiative. Students expressed a desire for the methodological change of the university classes, and thought that BIM methodology could be useful for other courses. The results obtained show a line of work to be done to improve the training of students and university teaching

Teaching for a Better World. Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals in the Construction of a Change-Maker University

Sustainability, as a key concept in the education field, has submitted a relevant change during the last years. Thus, there is a growing debate about its meaning. It has undergone a crucial merging of significances from many fields: Ecology, environmental awareness, but also from politics, ethics or even spiritual approaches. All these fields have been co-involved in the building of such subject concept. In this sense, this article addresses the di erent ways of understanding sustainability as a polyhedral concept and how sustainability can be understood under the umbrella of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, it is proposed a conceptual framework to teach this UN Program at Higher Education, contributing to the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students from both a professional and a personal point of view. This framework is applied in a case study—in particular, in a course of Primary Teacher Degree called Didactics of Matter and Energy. This article finishes with practical consideration to build a change-maker University.Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain/AEI/FEDER, UE Research Project IB 16068Regional Government of Extremadura (Spain) Research Project GR1800

Vocational Teacher Education in Central Asia: Developing Skills and Facilitating Success

teacher training; project based learning; educational technology; research methodology; network development; vocational teacher education; developing teaching skills; technical teacher education; Central Asia; GIZ Programme Professional Education in Central Asia; PBL; TVET; USPECH; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; vocational educatio

Vocational Teacher Education in Central Asia: Developing Skills and Facilitating Success

This open access volume presents papers on vocational education, project-based learning and science didactic approaches, illustrating with sample cases, and with a special focus on Central Asian states. Thematically embedded in the area of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the book examines the following main topics: project-based learning (PBL), specific didactics with a linkage to food technologies and laboratory didactics, media and new technologies in TVET, evaluation of competencies including aspects of measurement, examination issues, and labour market and private sector issues in TVET, and research methods with a focus on empirical research and the role of scientific networks. It presents outcomes from TVET programmes at various universities, colleges, and teacher training institutes in Central Asia

Educating Lawyers: Preparation for the Profession of Law

Examines the unique aspects and limitations of legal education, as part of a series of reports from the foundation's Preparation for the Professions Program

Nonscientific University Students Training in General Science Using an Active-Learning Merged Pedagogy: Gamification in a Flipped Classroom

Innovative teaching strategies are designing a new and promising landscape in education. They fill lessons with creativity and imagination for either the students or teachers. This article addresses an attempt to make the approach to science easier in a nonscientific environment: primary education at university level. Gamification methodologies were combined with a flipped classroom in order to free up in-class time and engage the students with the taught courses. A qualitative study was merged with quantitative measures of emotional and motivational parameters. These results were improved with four semistructured interviews. The results clearly showed a rise in the students’ motivational levels, an acknowledgment of good teaching practices, and an evident enhancement of felt positive emotions toward science teaching and scientific issues.Economy and Competitiveness Ministry of Spanish Government and AEI/FEDER, UE EDU2016-77007-RJunta de Extremadura (España)/Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo IB16068Regional Government of Extremadura (Spain) GR1800