Inclusion - Shaping diversity and participation in the educational context (additional studies) (Certificate)

Additional studies in teaching

Within the framework of this program, students acquire skills in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and inclusive approaches to heterogeneity in the classroom. The focus is on acquiring subject-specific, didactic, and practical skills for dealing professionally with heterogeneity in a school context. Raising students‘ awareness of different learning requirements and enabling them to actively shape inclusive educational processes play an important role in this.

Fact Sheet

Degree
Certificate
Duration of studies
4 semesters
Teaching language
completely in German
Faculty
Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology
Start of degree program
Summer semester, Winter semester
Number of students
<25
Special ways to study
Additional studies
Program overview

What is the degree program about?

Inclusion is one of the central educational challenges of our time and is firmly enshrined in the Bavarian Education and Instruction Act (BayEUG) as a responsibility of all schools. In the school context, this means that all children and young people should be given equal opportunities for education, personal development, and participation through adaptive instruction.
The supplementary studies “Inclusion: Shaping Diversity and Participation in the School Context” are based on a broad understanding of inclusion: It is not only about special educational needs, but about taking into account all forms of diversity—from cognitive abilities to language, cultural and social background, personality, and chronic illnesses.
These supplementary courses foster inclusive competencies in dealing with heterogeneity already during teacher training. They specifically prepare students for the diverse needs of the student body and highlight why inclusion is so important both inside and outside of school. At the same time, the program helps to embed the human right to inclusion in everyday school life: Students learn to identify barriers in the education system early on and, instead, build bridges that enable all learners to participate fully.

As part of this supplementary program, students will acquire skills in three modules:

Inclusive Foundations, Inclusive Pedagogy, and Inclusive Practice.

The “Fundamentals of Inclusion” module helps students build professional knowledge and practical skills to establish an inclusive school culture that meets the needs of all students and supports them in their learning process. Upon completion of the “Inclusive Didactics” module, students will understand the theoretical foundations of learning processes as the basis for effective teaching in inclusive settings. They will be able to apply and reflect on concepts of inclusion-oriented teaching models and (inclusion) didactic models using examples, and draw conclusions regarding the design of their classrooms and learning environments. During classroom observations in inclusive settings (“Inclusive Practical Experiences”), students identify various approaches to the tasks of lesson planning and delivery while taking into account the school’s framework conditions, and develop a concept for cooperation with other educational professionals as a support system.
As part of this supplementary program, students acquire competencies in three modules totaling 15 ECTS credits:

  • “Inclusive Foundations” (5 ECTS credits): This module supports the development of professional knowledge and practical skills to establish an inclusive school culture that meets the needs of all students and supports them in their learning process.
  • The “Fundamentals of Inclusion” module helps students build professional knowledge and practical skills to establish an inclusive school culture that meets the needs of all students and supports them in their learning process. Upon completion of the “Inclusive Pedagogy” module, students will be familiar with the theoretical foundations of learning processes as the basis for effective teaching in inclusive settings. They will be able to apply concepts of inclusion-oriented teaching models and (inclusion-)pedagogical models, for example
  • “Inclusive Didactics” (5 ECTS credits): Upon completion of this module, students will understand the theoretical foundations of learning processes as the basis for effective teaching in inclusive settings. They will be able to apply and reflect on concepts of inclusion-oriented teaching models and (inclusion-)didactic models through examples, as well as draw conclusions for their classroom and learning space design.
  • “Inclusive Practical Experiences” (5 ECTS credits): During classroom observations in inclusive settings, students identify various approaches to the tasks of lesson planning and delivery while taking into account the school’s framework conditions, and develop a concept for cooperation with other educational professionals as a support system.

Within the framework of this program, studenThese supplementary courses are designed for all FAU teacher education students who wish to distinguish themselves beyond the required curriculum as part of their studies, regardless of school type or subject combination.
Students acquire additional competencies in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and inclusive approaches to heterogeneity in the classroom that go beyond the requirements of the Teacher Certification Regulations I (LPO I) of March 13, 2008 (GVBl. p. 180, BayRS 2038-3-4-1-1-K) with the amendments to § 2 of the Ordinance of July 28, 2021 (GVBl. p. 502).

Admission requires enrollment in a state-certified teacher training program at FAU for teaching at vocational schools, high schools, middle schools, or elementary schools.
Prospective teachers should be committed to the overarching goal of professional qualification and the importance of inclusion in society, culture, and academia. This approach prepares students for a diverse society, fosters solidarity, and, as a core aspect of a social society, ensures equal opportunities for every child.

Through these supplementary programs, FAU offers teacher education students an excellent opportunity to prepare themselves specifically for the realities of inclusive classroom settings. A particular hallmark of FAU is its interdisciplinary expertise: Through the “Working Group on Inclusion in Educational Contexts,” the cross-cutting theme of inclusion is integrated into all areas of teacher education in a sustainable manner. The working group prepares participants to implement educational processes in a barrier-free and participation-oriented manner.

These supplementary programs enhance the employability of graduates from teacher education programs and broaden their career prospects by equipping them with the professional skills needed to address diversity.

Application for a Degree Program

Admission Requirements and Application

The following information is intended for German applicants as well as domestic applicants with foreign educational qualifications. Different regulations and deadlines may apply to international prospective students.

Application deadline

  • Winter semester: 30.09.
  • Summer semester: 31.03.

Details and notes

Admission to the supplementary studies program “Inclusion: Shaping Diversity and Participation in the School Context” requires enrollment in a degree program for teaching at vocational schools, high Admission to the supplementary program “Inclusion: Shaping Diversity and Participation in the School Context” requires enrollment in a teacher training program at FAU for vocational schools, high schools, middle schools, or elementary schools, and the program may be started beginning in the third semester.
Students may begin the program in either the summer or winter semester.

Apply now for a degree programThe first step towards your studies begins with the online application.
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