WB-Deutschkurs – Accompanying scientific research on the pilot project "German course for people with cognitive disabilities in the state of Bremen”

The project "WB German Course" provides scientific support for the ongoing pilot project "German Course for Cognitively Impaired People in the State of Bremen", which is directed to employees in workshops for people with disabilities. In the context of the accompanying research, the German courses are evaluated and a modified teaching structure is tested in order to be able to optimize content and methods with regard to a participatory teaching structure. The recommendations for action resulting from the accompanying research are designed to support the institutions offering the courses in achieving the objective of greater participation of the students in the whole of society.

Since people with cognitive disabilities whose first language is not German are more often confronted with barriers in the job market or in other areas of society, the project is researching how German language training can be specifically adapted to the needs of the participants. The focus is on the conditions for successful teaching and the possibilities of participatory teaching. In addition, targeted, needs-oriented German language training is intended to increase participation in all areas of society.

The main research questions guiding us are:

  • How far is language support teaching participatory?
  • What are the needs for participatory teaching from the perspective of the course participants and the course trainers?
  • How can participatory instructional practices be implemented or expanded?

In addition to the methodological-didactic teaching design, we are also interested in the general teaching climate, the (unconscious) attitudes of the course leaders towards disabilities and the associated ableist attitudes and practices, as well as individual and collective visions of the future of the participants.

Using various qualitative approaches, both the current situation and the desired situation are determined. Based on this, an optimized teaching design will be planned, implemented and evaluated. As a result of the research project, practically applicable recommendations for action will be made available based on criteria for a participatory teaching design combined with the needs of the participants.
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