Deutschstunde
The virtual teachers' room
Teaching materials, training courses, academic articles and dialogue with teachers of German as a foreign language and German as a second language around the world: this is what the Goethe-Institut's virtual "Deutschstunde" offers. In this interview, project managers Karin Kühnel and Juliane Kramer explain how the online portal works and what functions users can look forward to in the future.
What exactly is "Deutschstunde"?
The "Deutschstunde" is a new Goethe-Institut website aimed at teachers and students of German as a foreign language / German as a second language. Here, users can find everything in one place: teaching materials, training courses, academic articles and opportunities to exchange ideas - just like in a virtual staff room.
Who is "Deutschstunde" aimed at?
The "Deutschstunde" is aimed at GFL/German as a second language teachers in Germany and abroad as well as teachers and educational staff in the fields of adult education (for example at vocational schools) and also in the early childhood sector (for example in kindergartens or preschools). In addition, GFL/German as a foreign language students and teachers at universities and colleges who deal with GFL/German as a foreign language can benefit from the German Lessons programme.
What can I expect as a teacher with "Deutschstunde"?
The portal contains teaching materials from all over the world, which can be found quickly and easily using filters. As a teacher, you can also publish your own materials there. Training courses and events are also offered, such as interactive workshops, online conferences, discussion formats and readings.
In addition, academic articles on GFL/GDL language teaching research are published once or twice a month in our online language magazine, and teachers can network and exchange ideas via various regional and global communities and groups.
Do I have to register for this?
No, registration is not necessary. The content is freely accessible to anyone who is interested. Registration is planned for the future, which will enable users to save teaching materials in a watch list and comment on materials, for example. However, the standard view, which is available without registration, will remain the same.
Will this cost me anything?
No, the "Deutschstunde" is free of charge.
As a teacher, can I contribute to the programme myself?
Of course you can. We are always happy to receive new teaching materials or events. In every region and at every Goethe-Institut there is a person responsible for the "Deutschstunde" who can add new teaching materials. We welcome suggestions, praise and criticism via e-mail to: deutschstunde@goethe.de.
What is the portal mainly used for?
The most popular page is, of course, the database for teaching materials. Users from all over the world browse here to plan their lessons. The top 3 downloads are: "Hans Hase" with almost 400,000 downloads, "Feste und Feiertage: Lernvideos" with over 200,000 downloads and "Experimentieren auf Deutsch" with over 50,000 downloads.
Users are also very interested in our events. One dialogue format that is very popular is "Experience Germany up close". We organise this together with Deutsch für dich, PASCH-net and the Alumniportal Deutschland. Every two months, 200 to 300 people come together on two dates (morning and evening) to talk about topics related to the country, often combined with a short live broadcast, for example to the Eastside Gallery.
Another event that met with great interest was the first Digital German Lessons Conference, which took place in November. Almost 1,000 teachers and students took part in interactive workshops, keynote speeches and discussion panels. The Goethe-Instituts abroad had the opportunity to present their training perspectives and engage in dialogue with the teachers.
What are you planning for the future of "Deutschstunde"?
Firstly, we would like to bring the local German teachers' associations to the "Deutschstunde". They will be represented there with a brief profile and their activities. On the other hand, we have some exciting topics on our radar. However, it is the teachers who ultimately decide which of these will be implemented. After all, that's what it's all about, which is why we have involved them in the development of "Deutschstunde" from the very beginning.
