Dr. Susanne M Wagner Engages With the “Real World” to Make Classroom Material More Relevant to Students
Dr. Susanne M Wagner
Associate Professor, German
Director, German and International Engineering Programs
University of St. Thomas
Favorite thing about your community
Many German cultural activities offered by the GAI.
If applicable, briefly describe your first interaction with a school-community project and the impact it had on you.
While in 8th grade, back in my high school in Köln, Germany, we were able to interview former members of the Edelweißpiraten, a youth group that resisted the Nazis. This project led to a lifelong interest in the topic of resistance to Hitler.
What are some of the top priorities you are working on this year?
Professionalizing the German curriculum, community engagement/service learning, and helping my students improve their language and intercultural skills to be more marketable in a competitive job market (workforce development).
In what ways are you looking to engage, or work with others, either from within the EPIC-Network or in general?
1. This year’s Community Engaged Learning project is with the Germanic-American Institute (GAI). In line with the university’s mission, the course feature a hands-on, real-world learning experience in which students engage in research projects on German fairytales by using academic research skills and digital media resulting in deliverable products such as a research paper, presentation, and a poster exhibition. By doing so, students will enhance their German skills and intercultural competence, English writing ability, and acquire soft skills, including communication, time management, teamwork, and presentational skills, while learning about German culture, literature, and history. 2. Made in Germany: German Career Fair at St. Thomas: On 10/13, students form St. Thomas and local high schools with large German programs are invited to participate in this exciting career fair/company presentations with 7 leading German companies all located in the TCs.
Why do you think the EPIC-Network is important?
Helps to bring people and communities together.
What are you hoping attendees will take with them after attending your presentation?
Try to engage with the “real world” to make classroom material more relevant to your students.
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