ÖVP education spokesman welcomes reform decided in the Council of Ministers
Vienna (OTS) – “We are shortening the much too long teaching courses, we are increasing the practical components and we are ensuring a successful compatibility of beginning teaching work and master’s studies. We are also creating the opportunity to study entire bundles of subjects, such as MINT, i.e. mathematics, computer science and natural sciences and technology,” said ÖVP education spokesman Abg. today, Wednesday. Rudolf Taschner is pleased with the reform of teacher training presented by the Federal Government after the Council of Ministers as part of the presentation of the higher education law package.
“The reform brings a shorter training period with consistent quality, more practical relevance and a stronger connection between theory and practice. In addition, there will be more part-time opportunities to enable beginning professional activity and studying for a master’s degree in parallel,” says Taschner, summing up the essentials corner points together.
The training of elementary school teachers previously took at least five years: eight semesters for a bachelor’s degree and two for a master’s degree. For future teachers at middle schools, general education and vocational schools, it even lasted six years: “a completely unusual eight semesters for the bachelor’s degree and four semesters for the master’s degree.” This was followed by a one-year induction phase. “Austria had one of the longest teacher training courses in the world with unnecessary, excessive academic idleness,” the ÖVP MP continued.
The bachelor’s degree program has now been shortened to six semesters with a total of 180 ECTS points and is therefore on a par with most other bachelor’s degree programs. To achieve the master’s degree, future elementary and secondary school teachers must complete 120 ECTS credits (two years), which means the entire training can be completed in five years. In addition, the induction phase in the part-time master’s degree is credited, and there are part-time offers.
“We are creating a course of study that meets the demands and requirements of schools in the 21st century,” said the education spokesman, who is convinced that with this package more young people will want to study to become a teacher again. (Ending)
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