Within the framework of the "German Language Day in Armenia" event, a variety of workshops were held aimed at developing the professional competencies of both teachers and students.
G. Savoyan and I. Gevorgyan from the Chair of German Studies at YSU presented the foreign language teaching method known as Handlungsorientierte Methoden (action-oriented methods) using textbooks published by Ernst Klett. These textbooks have been adapted for Armenian general education schools through collaboration between the Chair of German Studies and the Goethe-Institute’s partner language learning center, supported by Participatory School Foundation.
Jennifer Swanda, an expert from the German publishing house Ernst Klett, together with Meri Navasardyan, a methodological counselor and lecturer of German at YSU, conducted two workshops.
The first workshop, titled "Artificial Intelligence in Teaching", focused on mediation, as well as the possibilities and applications of AI tools in foreign language teaching, based on the textbook "Kontext".
The second workshop, "Pre-Integration for Educators", introduced modern approaches in German language textbooks—specifically "Die neue Linie 1"—designed for students relocating from abroad to Germany.
Lecturers Elizabeth Rudolph and Johannes Gereons from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) presented a seminar titled "Strategies for Learning German", where they discussed methods, materials, resources, and tools that help learners effectively comprehend educational content, analyze it independently, and develop their skills.
Stefanie Steiner, a lecturer from the Austrian Exchange Service, introduced creative language teaching methods during her seminar. Students learned new vocabulary and enhanced their language skills through games and collages.
The "Unterwegs" textbook by the publisher Cornelsen was presented by Liana Safaryan, a German language lecturer at Brusov State University. The seminar was dedicated to the methodology of the textbook and practical opportunities for lesson planning. Her other seminar, "Lara and Robin: A Messenger’s Story", focused on developing skills in creating dialogues and narratives.
Benjamin Speth, coordinator at the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA), and teacher Zhanna Margaryan conducted a seminar titled "Speak Freely, Think Freely", emphasizing the role of group work and freedom of speech across different language proficiency levels.
Volunteers Lilly Heinrich and Nila Peschel, alongside Goethe-Institute expert Y. Tauschwitz, organized quizzes and board games for students, fostering a direct and enjoyable environment for communication in German.
Srbuhi Lulukyan, a teacher at Ayb School, presented a seminar featuring the German singer Nicole’s song "Ein bisschen Frieden", discussing the theme of peace and its potential uses within an interactive learning framework.
Jennifer Swanda also conducted a special training session for lecturers of the Chair of German Studies, introducing contemporary teaching methods for B2/C1 level textbooks, including the application of artificial intelligence.
During the event, an exhibition of German language textbooks and methodological literature was held, featuring publications from Ernst Klett, Cornelsen, Huber, and Andranik, as well as materials from Participatory School Foundation.
The event concluded with a beautiful performance of a German song by a student from Tchambarak School No. 1.
To create new opportunities aimed at expanding the use and improving the quality of German language teaching, it is planned to make the "German Language Day in Armenia" an annual event.
