Dies Legendi 2017

DIES LEGENDI 2017

On 16 November 2017, from 13:30 to 16:00, the first DIES LEGENDI of Friedrich Schiller University Jena took place in the Rosensäle. It kicked off the work of the Academy for Teaching Development (ALe) and addressed institutional goals and development requirements in studies and teaching. At the same time, the DIES LEGENDI provided the stage for the ceremonial presentation of the Teaching Awards 2017 with which the University acknowledges exemplary teaching concepts.

Professor Dr Manfred Prenzel—a renowned educational researcher and former chairperson of the German Council of Science and Humanities—was invited to give the opening speech in which he presented ideas for the systematic strengthening of higher education teaching.

Subsequently, Professor Dr Iris Winkler, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, introduced the Academy for Teaching Development (ALe) which the Senate established in 2017. In her speech, she addressed the tasks and structure as well as the composition of this central academic institution. Members of the panel of experts came together for the first time that day and could exchange ideas with those present at a reception.

The programme covered a great variety of topics, thus illustrating the interconnection between institutional and individual responsibilities in the design of teaching and learning processes. Thanks to the positive feedback, the DIES LEGENDI has gained a fixed place in the academic calendar. In the future, there will be regular opportunities to exchange ideas and thoughts on teaching in November.

Ceremonial presentation of the Teaching Awards

The Teaching Awards 2017 honoured exemplary commitment to university teaching. Dr Sandra Stuwe (Institute of Romance Studies) and Sophie Picard (Institute of German Literature) received the award for the best course concept for the jointly taught seminar ‘Übersetzerwerkstatt: Contes de Voltaire’. The award in the thematic priority area ‘Teaching concepts for the introductory phase of studies’ was given to Professor Dr Martin Mundhenk (former Dean for Student Affairs) and the Mathematics student representative committee for their innovative redesign of the introductory phase of studies in Mathematics jointly developed by lecturers and students of the faculty.