The German Jordanian University (GJU), through the School of Applied Humanities and Social Sciences, organized the Fourth International Conference titled “Fokus DaF/DaZ – Current Trends in Research and Teaching” from December 2–4, 2025, at the university’s Jabal Al-Mashqar campus. The event witnessed broad participation from academics, experts, and researchers representing international universities and educational and research institutions.
This conference comes as part of the efforts of the Master’s Program in Teaching German as a Foreign Language at the School, aiming to highlight the latest research and pedagogical trends in German language education and to discuss the rapid transformations shaping this field in light of technological advancements—especially in artificial intelligence, digital education, and multilingualism.
GJU President, Prof. Aladdin Al-Halhouli, affirmed that the University places great importance on German language teaching as one of its core academic pillars. He noted that hosting such a conference reflects GJU’s commitment to strengthening scientific research, expanding international academic engagement, and building effective partnerships with global educational institutions to develop its programs according to the highest standards.
For his part, GJU Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Ralf Roßkopf, highlighted the significance of such conferences in supporting academic exchange and enhancing international cooperation. He emphasized that GJU has successfully established itself as a key bridge between the higher education systems of Jordan and Germany, and as a regional platform for scientific and cultural dialogue.
The conference also featured the participation of the Director of the Goethe-Institut Jordan, Dr. Christian Diemer, who stressed in his speech the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing German language education and the role of the Institute in supporting educational and research programs in Jordan and the region.
The academic sessions addressed a range of key themes, including: integrating artificial intelligence and digital media in language teaching, curriculum development and teaching methodologies, language education in conflict contexts, multilingualism and translation policies, using literature, film, and history in German language instruction, as well as modern assessment and testing approaches.
The program further included keynote lectures delivered by distinguished international specialists, alongside scientific sessions discussing innovative research and contemporary teaching experiences. In addition, a series of practical workshops were held to develop the skills of teachers and researchers and to provide a platform for exchanging experiences and learning about global best practices in language education.
The conference welcomed representatives from universities, schools, publishing houses, language centers, and international educational institutions, enriching discussions and fostering future collaboration opportunities.
The event will conclude with a cultural trip to Petra, offering guests an opportunity to explore Jordan’s rich cultural and historical heritage—an experience that complements the academic dimension of the conference.
A selection of research papers presented at the conference will be published in a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal ZIF, documenting the conference’s scholarly outcomes.