Evaluation of the extension course in economics for teachers at the University of Siegen 2025-2028
As part of the 2019 and 2020 core curriculum reforms, the university's social sciences degree programs have not yet been adapted. ZÖBIS has therefore set up an extension course in Economics for Teacher Education for the voluntary profile development of students, which started in the winter semester 2021/2022 with 76 students. Our research interest is to find out the motivation of the students and the effect of the course over time compared to the previous social sciences course.
Project description
This research project examines the introduction and implementation of an extension course in economics for the teaching profession at the University of Siegen. The starting point is an educational policy transformation in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the course of which economic content was strengthened in the school subject of economics and politics, but without establishing an independent teacher training program for the subject of economics across the board.
Against this background, an extension course was designed to enable student teachers to acquire an additional teaching qualification in economics. The project systematically analyzes this course of study in terms of evidence-based teacher training research. The focus is on the question of how students perceive and use the course and what effects it has.
Theoretically, the study is based on the established input-process-output model of educational research, which assumes that there is a systematic relationship between students' individual prerequisites (input), the use and design of the course (process) and the resulting skills and attitudes (output).
Methodologically, the project follows a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative longitudinal data with qualitative interviews. In this way, changes in attitudes and motivation as well as subjective perceptions, study experiences and practice-related assessments can be recorded in a differentiated manner.
A particular focus is on the question of the extent to which the course contributes to the professionalization of prospective teachers in the field of economic education and how well it prepares them for the demands of school practice. At the same time, we are investigating which structural, motivational and content-related factors influence the use and impact of the course.
Focal points of the project
- Analysis of the student structure and motivation to study on the extension course
- Examination of students' perception, use and evaluation of the study program
- Analysis of possible changes in attitudes during the course of studies (e.g. economic policy attitudes)
- Evaluation of the practical relevance and career orientation of the course content
- Examination of course progression, challenges and success factors
- Analysis of the fit between the courses offered and the requirements of school practice
- Evaluation of the institutional implementation of a new study program in the context of educational policy reforms
Everything at a glance
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Duration
01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028 (ongoing) -
Research area
Teacher training -
Funding
Flossbach von Storch Foundation
Research methods & procedure
Study design: mixed methods approach
The project follows a mixed-methods design that combines quantitative and qualitative survey procedures in order to depict both measurable developments and the subjective perceptions and experiences of the students in a differentiated way.
Quantitative analysis: longitudinal and standardized survey
As part of standardized surveys, key variables such as motivation to study, attitudes and study progression are collected and analyzed over time in order to make changes and causal relationships visible.
Qualitative in-depth study: interviews and case analyses
In addition, qualitative interviews are conducted with students to gain insights into individual study experiences, challenges and the perceived practical relevance and benefits of the degree program.
Funding bodies and cooperation partners
The research project is funded by the Flossbach von Storch Foundation and carried out at the Center for Economic Education in Siegen (ZÖBIS).
The funding enables an evidence-based analysis and further development of the extension course in economics and contributes to sustainably strengthening the quality of economic teacher training.