Education debate in Saxony: forgotten GDR experiences?

Von Kl Redaktion

In the past few days there have been heated discussions about education policy in the region when the top candidates from Thuringia and Saxony entered into a lively panel discussion. Especially the expressions of opinion on school education caught the eye, especially the pragmatic suggestions for the longer learning together and the critical view of the change after fourth grade to the high school. But some voices are wondering: Why don't today's educational politicians not look at those from the past, especially those of the GDR?

The panel discussion that was broadcast in the MDR offered interesting insights into the perspective of the candidates, especially in Saxony, where the tone was described as a manner than in Thuringia. While the argument with the AfD for many viewers could cost a little nerves, the exchange in Saxony appeared more respectful. But the core problem in the educational discussion remains: the implementation of effective educational models based on proven experiences.

Education system of the GDR as a model

The GDR's education system could be inspired, because it had some vivid structures that may fit better in today's time than initially assumed. In the GDR there was learning together until the 8th grade. Here the students were unanswered to see how the subsequent change to the extended secondary school (EOS), today's high school, or the school leaving certificate after the 10th grade, to design the career individually.

A remarkable aspect was the combination of theory and practice that came into its own during the degrees. In this way, students were able to acquire high school and a skilled worker qualification. This dual system, which was established in the GDR, may offer an answer to today's question: How can you bring education and work together?

  1. an apprenticeship as a skilled worker in combination with school diploma, weekly practice in production and school education were very popular in the GDR education system.
  2. The Abitur with a skilled worker qualification offered students a clear way to professional practice, while they also acquired academic skills.

    3. The lesson day in production, also known as the UTP, was already introduced in 8th grade. This measure clearly shows how education and professional world were linked in the GDR. In view of these approaches, the question arises as to why we do not learn from these proven methods instead of wanting to reinvent them from scratch. It is refreshing to see that there is such an interest in a connection between school education and practical work, but this could be made more efficient if you draw from past experiences.

    Another point that came up in the panel discussion was the motivation behind the educational reforms. It is clear that today's decisions have to take into account both the wishes of the company and the requirements of the labor market. But where's the look behind? The efforts that are made to improve the education system sometimes seem to pass the old, proven role models.

    development of new perspectives

    As someone who spent his training years in the GDR, I feel a kind of pride in what was achieved at the time. The duality of education and practice could do a lot these days if it is implemented correctly. Political debates about education are important, but they should also take into account the teachings of the past in order to find effective and future -oriented solutions.

    So is it not time to look at the past in order to open up and accept new perspectives in the education system through proven practices from the GDR? Education should not only exist in empty theory, but it must live in reality and serve to prepare young people for the challenges of the future.

    Education policy in Germany today is a much discussed topic, especially in the context of current political debates in the federal states. The differences between the federal states are often great in terms of school organization and structure. In Saxony and Thuringia, the educational landscape represents different challenges and opportunities. It should be emphasized that the ministries of education in both countries are currently trying to find solutions to improve the integration of the world of work and school training.

    A relevant aspect of the current discussion about the educational reform in Germany is the concept of long learning, which is discussed in many federal states, including Thuringia and Saxony. The aim is to increase equal opportunities for students and to avoid a selection that limits the students' educational paths too early. Experts argue that early selection can lead to a loss of talents, which underpins the current discussion in the context of economic developments.

    connection with the economic situation

    The economic situation of Germany significantly influences the educational debate. The shortage of skilled workers, which is noticeable in many industries, represents one of the greatest challenges for the German economy. In 2021, over 1.3 million vacancies were reported in various sectors in Germany (source: Federal Office ). This leads to an increased discussion about how the schools can better prepare trained specialists for the requirements of the labor market.

    The role of vocational training

    A key to coping with the shortage of skilled workers lies in dual training that has a tradition in Germany. The link between theory and practice via cooperation between schools and companies offers students useful insights into the world of work. The focus on practical learning opportunities could be a way to create similar structures as the lessons in production during the GDR period. Experts agree that medicine, computer science and engineering, areas that are highly in demand both in the GDR and today, need special attention to meet the great need for qualified forces.

    In addition, the model of the extended high school (EOS) from the GDR could be taken into account in the current reform considerations. Access to high -quality education up to the 8th grade, in connection with practical elements such as UTP, could help students be better prepared for the requirements of the labor market.

    educational results in international comparison

    In international comparison, the quality of training in Germany is an issue that is always analyzed. According to the last report of the OECD on the education system in Germany (PISA study), German students rank on average in mathematics, natural sciences and reading in the middle to upper area compared to other countries. However, Germany has weaknesses in equal opportunities - children from disadvantaged family conditions often have poorer educational opportunities (source: oecd ).

    The feedback from the studies emphasize that an education policy that is considering the traditions of the past and at the same time integrates innovations that the key to solving many current challenges is.