The school system in Germany

Pedagogical principles, teacher training, evaluation, current issues.

Abstract

The following article explores issues of structure, functioning as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the German school system, with a view to enabling comparison with other school systems internationally. The following aspects are discussed in particular: the central pedagogical principles in this school system, their origin and interpretation throughout history; the training of teachers (their preparation for the future educational task and the relational aspects of the profession) as well as their reputation in society; the complex and sensitive aspect of evaluation (criteria, actors and open questions) and finally three issues currently being discussed in relation to the challenges of the present time: inclusive education, interdisciplinarity and sustainability.