Thanks to the DAAD's "Flying Faculty" program, I was able to lead an "In-Class Peer Training" at the German Language Center in early March.
The method "In-Class Peer training" has been successfully used at the German-Jordanian University for two years. Experienced German teachers sit in on various classes and then teach in them, so that the GJU teachers can also observe what is going on in the classroom. In accompanying discussions, the teaching/learning setting and one's own teaching method are reflected upon, which leads to a high learning effect through collegial exchange.
I attended a total of four courses in the beginners' area, which were led by two colleagues. The timing was favorable because the first week of March was the second week of the semester and so we worked on questions of group formation, teaching/learning settings, teaching language and the role of the teacher. We were able to quickly establish a trusting working relationship and practically try out different approaches in the classroom, which had a positive impact on the teaching.
It was also gratifying that at the same time the international conference "Focus DaF/DaZ: Current Trends in Research and Teaching" was taking place at the School of Applied Humanities and Languages (Sahl). I was able to attend and participate in lectures whenever my time allowed, as well as attend workshops with colleagues from the GLC on Tuesday. In this way, I quickly gained access to the GLC team as well as expanding my knowledge and international DaF network.
The conversations with various GJU officials helped me to understand the GJU's aspirations and challenges. The students not only master a demanding course of study in English, but also learn another foreign language (German) to an intermediate level within three years in order to be able to successfully complete their "German year".
Of course, a first visit to the GJU cannot be done without getting to know the beautiful country of Jordan: I was very happy to be able to spend the first weekend in Amann and to have visited the "Jordan Museum" here, among other things. On the second weekend I was in Petra and Wadi Rum. I was especially impressed by an overnight stay in the desert.
The time in Jordan was extremely enriching, both professionally and privately, and I hope that it will soon be "Welcome to Jordan" again!
