Key competencies at the University of Göttingen Dr Key competencies at the University of Göttingen Dr. Claudia Faust (Department for Academic Programme Development and Quality Management) 18/09/2018

Contents What are key competencies? Why do we need key competencies? Framework for key competencies at the University of Göttingen a) Key competencies in single-subject Bachelor degree programmes b) Key competencies in two-subjects Bachelor degree programmes c) Key competencies in Master degree programmes Forms of teaching key competencies Areas of key competency at the University of Göttingen The range of key competency courses offered by the University of Göttingen 18.09.2018

1. What are key competencies? ≠ subject-related competencies = non-subject specific competencies “Someone who understands nothing but chemistry does not understand chemistry either.” Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742-1799) “Key competencies are skills, attitudes and elements of knowledge which are useful in solving problems and in acquiring new competencies in as many areas as possible, so that an ability to act is developed, which makes it possible to meet individual as well as social requirements” (Orth 1999; Schaeper, Briedis 2004). 18.09.2018

2. Why do we need key competencies? to make teaching and learning easier and more effective to enhance employability to develop an ability for personal continuing education in the interest of sustainability of education and skills rapid knowledge obsolescence shortening of innovation cycles Key competencies are part of a new teaching and learning culture which enables us to respond to changes in the professional world: dynamic adjustment of professional profiles change of professions and jobs interdisciplinary challenges increasingly intercultural working environments in a globalised world increasing tendency towards self-employment 18.09.2018

Half-life period of knowledge Primary school 20 years University studies 10 years Professions 5 years Technical professions 3 years Software 1 year Telecommunication 10 months 18.09.2018

Employers’ expectations of university graduates (DIHK Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce 2007) 18.09.2018

Further important competencies (DIHK 2007) 18.09.2018

3. Framework for key competencies at the University of Göttingen Key competencies teaching at the University of Göttingen has the following objectives: To improve study skills To improve employability For this purpose, key competencies are embedded in degree programme regulations as follows: with a recommended value of 18 credit points for the BA. Depending on the degree programme, up to 18 further credit points from key competency modules are accepted. Students are free to select at least 6 credit points from all key competency modules offered by the university. with a value of 12 credit points for the MA. with varying credit values for doctoral degree programmes, depending on the degree programme and graduate school. 1 Credit = 25-30 working hours spent 18.09.2018

3a. Key competencies in single-subject Bachelor degree programmes Bachelor (6 semesters) (180 C) Subject-related Bachelor’s thesis (12 C) Subject-related studies (132 C) Area of professionalisation (36 C, of which 18 C are contributed by key competencies) 18.09.2018

3b. Key competencies in two-subjects Bachelor degree programmes Subject-related studies (132 C) (identical for all profiles) Area of professionalisation (36 C) BA thesis (12 C) Subject A (66 C) Subject B Optional modules (18 C) Key competencies (a) Specialised profile 66 C Subject A 66 C Subject B 18 C specialised modules from subject A or B 12 C (b) Practical profile practical modules (c) Profile for teaching profession 18 C subject-related didactic, educational and key competencies (18 C) (d) “Studium generale” profile optional modules 18.09.2018

3c. Key competencies in Master degree programmes Master (6 semesters) (120 C) Master’s thesis (30 C) Subject-related studies (78 C) Area of professionalisation (key competencies) (12 C) 18.09.2018

4. Forms of teaching key competencies Additive key competency courses: to supplement subject-related studies – either subject-related or interdisciplinary (examples: foreign languages, leadership competence, intercultural competence) Integrative key competency courses: are intended to teach key competencies subject-related within individual subjects (examples: learning and working techniques, project management, methods of academic and scientific work) 18.09.2018

5. Areas of key competencies at the University of Göttingen The University of Göttingen offers a wide range of key competency courses. These are divided into the following areas of competency: Areas of competency Competencies taught (examples) Language skills foreign languages Factual knowledge orientation in the professional field courses in interdisciplinary subjects Methodological competencies rhetoric skills EDP/information technology presentation skills project management work organisation methods of academic and scientific work Personal competencies time and self-management learning strategies personality development Social competencies intercultural competence capacity for teamwork moderation techniques / communication skills leadership competence 18.09.2018

modules offered by central institutions 6. The range of key competency courses offered by the University of Göttingen Key competency strategy of the University of Göttingen (5 areasof competency) Key competency modules within subject disciplines or faculties Cross-faculty key competency modules offered by individual degree programmes Key competency modules offered by central institutions Quality management 18.09.2018