The partners involved in WÖRLD are conducting research on the design and effects of digitization-related teacher training and continuing education, i.e., both digital and hybrid teaching and learning opportunities. The aim is to promote the digital competencies of (prospective) teachers in the field of economics. In doing so, the partners cooperate with institutions for teacher and media education. In addition to the network management, two of the 14 subprojects are also located at the Institute for Vocational Education and Training at the University of Kassel.

The innovative strength at the 14 locations of economic and business vocational teacher education as well as the diversity of the cooperative relationships tipped the scales in favor of a more in-depth examination of science-practice transfer in WÖRLD. A so-called "WÖRLD-House" bundles the expertise of all participating partners and ensures the transfer and communication of the results within and outside the network. The goal here is to "establish a network of actors in teacher education that is unique in Germany and that can exist beyond the project period," according to Prof. Dr. Klusmeyer, who is the scientific director and coordinator of the project network. Particular emphasis is placed here on a close exchange and mutual further training of the partners on digitization-related topics. Project management is also the responsibility of Marian Thiel de Gafenco, research associate. Among other things, he will address the question of how the collaboration of so many different players can succeed. "The most important thing for a constructive exchange between the partners is to identify and exploit synergy effects between the subprojects," explains Thiel de Gafenco.

WÖRLD is funded until the end of 2025 as part of the "Competence Centers for Digital and Digitally Supported Teaching in Schools and Continuing Education" and is part of the "Learning:Digital Competence Network." Of the third-party funds raised, around 1.3 million euros will remain in Kassel at the Institute for Vocational Education and Training. A total of 14 universities from seven German states are involved in WÖRLD.

Contact:                                                                                              

Prof. Dr. Jens Klusmeyer
University of Kassel
Business Education with a focus on vocational teaching and learning
Tel.: 0561 804 4546
E-mail: klusmeyer[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

Marian Thiel de Gafenco
University of Kassel
Business Education with a focus on Vocational Teaching and Learning
Tel.: 0561 804 4206
E-Mail: thiel.de.gafenco[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

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