What do you like best about teaching at Ulm University of Applied Sciences?
Tatjana Gremer: What I appreciate most is working with young people who are eager to learn and motivated. I enjoy passing on my knowledge and experience. Even after many years of teaching, I am always trying to improve my teaching methods and find individual new forms of practice that are fun for the students and that allow them to train their grammar and vocabulary, for example, in an unnoticeable way. On the other hand, I also learn a lot from the students in class discussions and presentations, for example about their home countries, their life situations, their wishes and - very interestingly - their view of Germany. The exchange with people from different cultures is very enriching and I am still full of energy after the lessons.
What is the biggest challenge for you in your teaching job?
Tatjana Gremer: As I teach at different educational institutions, the biggest challenge for me is coordinating the semester-free periods at the university with those at the university and the school vacations. Overlapping block courses are also not so easy to integrate into a daily schedule with long-term commitments. What's more, the teaching assignments are always temporary and only cover a limited number of hours, which makes longer-term planning difficult.
What do you want to convey to the students in your courses?
Tatjana Gremer: In addition to teaching the German language itself, it is also important to me to create a pleasant teaching atmosphere for the students that encourages communication and where it is okay to make mistakes. I also think that language teaching in particular is very well suited to allowing students to think outside the box. I also encourage the German learners to look for opportunities outside the course to apply what they have learned and to gain new experiences in exchange with Germans and other internationals. I also try to encourage them to immerse themselves in the German social and cultural landscape in order to improve their language skills and intercultural competencies.
Why did you decide to work as a lecturer at THU?
Tatjana Gremer: First and foremost, I appreciate the independence that my work as a lecturer gives me. There is no pressure to have to cover a certain amount of material or to follow guidelines on how to impart knowledge. Being able to design my course on my own responsibility - that spurs me on. In addition, having no discipline problems, no conferences or parent-teacher meetings is also an advantage that should not be underestimated. In addition, if you have any technical, organizational or other questions, you are always supported promptly and competently by the department and secretariat, which makes working very pleasant
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking on a teaching position at THU?
Tatjana Gremer: I would say: Just try it out for a semester! Most people find the teaching assignment very enriching and enjoy it. It's a great opportunity to impart knowledge, learn a lot of new things yourself and be in contact with the younger generation.
What do you like best about teaching at Ulm University of Applied Sciences?
Sebastian Allegretti: What I like best is the direct contact with the students and the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and practical experience in management consulting. Through my work in different industries and companies, I can enrich theoretical content with practical examples. It is particularly fulfilling to now meet many former students again in different companies and positions and to see how they successfully apply what they have learned.
What do you find most challenging about your teaching role?
Sebastian Allegretti: The biggest challenge lies in designing theory in such a way that it is directly applicable in practice. My work constantly gives me new insights that I want to integrate into my teaching. It is important to keep the material up to date and at the same time make it as accessible as possible for the students. Another challenge is to keep pace with the individual learning needs of the students and to support everyone equally.
What do you want to convey to students in your courses?
Sebastian Allegretti: I want to give students a sound understanding of production management and at the same time show them how they can apply theoretical knowledge in real business contexts. In addition, it is important to me to give them problem-solving skills, analytical thinking and an awareness of the importance of efficiency and sustainability in production.
Why did you decide to work as a lecturer at THU?
Sebastian Allegretti: THU offers a great combination of academic depth and practical relevance. These values align perfectly with my own professional background. It is also a unique opportunity to pass on my experience from numerous companies and industries directly to the next generation. The appreciative and professional atmosphere at THU as well as the close connection to the business world have further strengthened my decision. And I am now in my 25th semester of teaching and have already supervised almost 200 student research projects and theses.
What would you say to someone thinking about taking on a teaching position at THU?
Sebastian Allegretti: I would say that a teaching position at THU is an extremely rewarding experience. The opportunity to pass on knowledge and support the professional development of students is incredibly motivating. At the same time, you benefit from the exchange with the students and can always gain new perspectives. It is particularly fulfilling to meet former students in companies who are working in a wide variety of positions - from career starters to management roles. It shows that working as a lecturer makes a real and lasting difference.
What do you like best about teaching at Ulm University of Applied Sciences?
Angelika Lehn: I'm only at THU for a few days once or twice a year. And then always at the Prittwitzstraße site. I enjoy this pleasant atmosphere - relaxed, open, colorful. And I don't feel like I'm alone in that. I also really like the interaction in the lecture hall. My lecture is never the same. The focus and design is different with every group.
What do you find most challenging about your teaching job?
Angelika Lehn: We have four days together in a row and students from several degree courses and a wide variety of semesters. After that, they all go their separate ways again. To ensure that everyone is happy to take part, the spark has to ignite very quickly. You need clear rules and the commitment of each individual. Especially because it often gets very personal. I find this dynamic very exciting and I'm really pleased when we succeed.
What would you like to convey to the students in your courses?
Angelika Lehn: Everyone has experienced a lot when it comes to communication and has a huge wealth of experience - both positive and negative. There is a lot of uncertainty, both when receiving and sending. It's important that we have the space for this during our studies. This is where I want to provide clarity and tools, very specifically and immediately.
Why did you decide to work as a lecturer at THU?
Angelika Lehn: It makes me richer - and I don't mean that in monetary terms. For me, the teaching position is the perfect icing on the cake for my "normal" work.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking on a teaching position at THU?
Angelika Lehn: Do it! Extremely refreshing!
