Mathematics as a school subject occupies a special position. It imparts fundamental skills that go far beyond mere arithmetic. It trains logical thinking, structured problem-solving, and the ability to abstract complex issues and transfer them to new situations. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to general education and preparing pupils for numerous professional fields in an increasingly data- and technology-oriented world. Working as a mathematics teacher opens up the opportunity to introduce young people to this way of thinking and to provide them with tools that will accompany them in their studies, profession, and everyday life.
The Bachelor of Education in Mathematics degree program is the entry point for teacher education for secondary schools (gymnasium). The subsequent master’s degree program (M. Ed. Mathematics) completes the academic training. This is followed by a teacher traineeship at a school (Referendariat).
In the teacher education program, the subject of mathematics is combined with a second subject. JGU is the only university in Rhineland-Palatinate to offer the complete range of subjects for teaching degrees. This means you can choose your second teaching subject from 22 other subjects. While your choice of teaching subjects in the teacher education program has a major influence on later employment opportunities, it should also correspond to your personal interests.
The program teaches the fundamentals of mathematics – from analysis and algebra to geometry, stochastics, and numerics – and combines solid mathematical training with subject didactics and educational science skills. Students learn how mathematical concepts can be taught in an understandable and engaging way. The aim is to design lessons in such a way that they motivate young people to develop logical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. The combination of specialist knowledge, abstraction skills, and didactic competence forms the basis for teaching fruitful and modern mathematics classes.
The program first focuses on teaching mathematical foundations in analysis and linear algebra, supplemented by further sub-areas such as algebra, number theory, geometry, stochastics, and numerics. Building on this basic knowledge, advanced topics are addressed which sharpen your analytical skills and help you practice handling complex problems.
Parallel to the scientific training, you will complete modules in subject didactics dealing with the question of how abstract content can be prepared in an understandable way, taught in an engaging manner, and used in various learning contexts. This is supplemented by courses in the educational sciences, which deal with topics related to fundamentals in pedagogy, school organization, and developmental psychology.
Practical phases are an integral part of the program from the very beginning. They give you insights into school processes, allow you to take first steps as a teacher, and reflect on what you have learned. This allows for a close relationship between theoretical study content and teaching practice.
Further details on the study content and structure of the program of study can be found in the module handbook and in the examination regulations, which can be downloaded from our download center for mathematics.
Three weeks before the beginning of the lecture period, we offer bridging courses in mathematics to help all new students in the department refresh their school mathematics and to ease their transition from school to university. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the university and get to know fellow students who are also just starting their studies.
The Learning Workshop is a service offered by our faculty that builds on this idea: During the lecture period, students can work on the weekly exercises together and support each other. There are also tutors present on site who can offer advice and assistance.
The application deadline for the winter semester always ends on September 1st; the application deadline for the summer semester always ends on March 1st.
If you have general questions about studying and applying to JGU, you can find the right contact person for your question at the Student Advisory Center.
Further information can be found in the official degree description for this degree program:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/choosing-your-degree-program/courses-offered/mathematics-bed/
