Article 2020

Dual studies in different cultural contexts: The work-study model in Germany and its applicability to China

Innovations in Education and Teaching International
Journal · Vol. 57 · Issue 4 · pp. 472-483
Abstract

This paper, based on data collected from questionnaires distributed among German students and from interviews with university professors and contacts in cooperating companies in both Germany and China, evaluates dual studies in Germany and their applicability to China. The study finds that most students are satisfied with the theory phase and the practical phase. Practical experience and grants from companies are mentioned as important advantages of dual studies. In addition, expert interviews carried out in Germany show that students acquire both professional knowledge and occupational skills in the course of their dual studies. Interviews with Chinese experts point to the fact that the German model of dual studies could be applicable to China. Therefore, dual studies at Chinese application-oriented universities which interlink theory with practice and offer both a Bachelor’s degree and a professional qualification in 3- to 4-year programmes could be an attractive alternative for Chinese students. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Higher education Germany China applicability Dual studies

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai, China
Institute of Education, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Funding & Acknowledgements
Grant: EJA170451
This work was supported by the Young Research Foundation of the Ministry of Education of the 13th Five-year Plan of National Science of Education (Grant No. EJA170451) in China. The author would like to extend his gratitude to the foundation and Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University. Thanks also go to the anonymous reviewers for their invaluable comments.
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, MOE
This work was supported by the Young Research Foundation of the Ministry of Education of the 13th Five-year Plan of National Science of Education (Grant No. EJA170451) in China. The author would like to extend his gratitude to the foundation and Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University. Thanks also go to the anonymous reviewers for their invaluable comments.
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