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Preparing and Submitting your Final Thesis (WHA) in Teaching Degree Programmes

The final thesis is an extended piece of academic writing (approx. 60 pages) and must be written by all students in the Teacher Education programme who wish to take their First State Examination. In fact, passing the final thesis is a prerequisite for being eligible to take the written and oral exams. Students are free to choose both the subject and the topic of their thesis. If you are interested in writing a thesis in TEFL, you will find important and helpful information on idea development and supervision in the following FAQ.

 

FAQ: Final Thesis (WHA)

When can I write my thesis?

The WHA can be completed at the earliest after passing the “Zwischenprüfung”. 

Who may supervise my thesis?

Currently authorised supervisors in TEFL are:

Which topics are eligible for my thesis?

Generally, a thesis topic that falls within one of the main TEFL subject areas is acceptable, although individual proposals are subject to approval by your supervisor.

  • Language and Media (Sprach- und Mediendidaktik)
  • Literature and Culture (Literatur- und Kulturdidaktik)

What are the first steps that I need to take?

  1. Decide on a topic: Think about the topic you would like to write about and draft a concise exposé outlining your proposed focus.
  2. Choose a supervisor: You should then find a suitable supervisor for your thesis, ideally one semester before the application process with the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie. If you are uncertain about the ‘best match’, please refer to the information on the department’s website or visit the office hours of your potential supervisor.
  3. Refine the topic in collaboration with the supervisor: Together with your supervisor, you will determine the final topic and title of your thesis. (Regular consultations throughout the writing process are also recommended.)
  4. Registration of the thesis: Finally, you need to register your thesis with the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie.

How do I register my thesis?

You can find the form to file your thesis as well as further additional guidelines and detailed information in the resources provided by the Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie here.

Where can I find useful tips for writing my thesis?

You can find useful advice on writing your thesis here.

How can I find good and reliable literature for my final thesis?

Make use of the library’s search engine JustFind and visit the library in person! A short guide to useful (internet) resources can be found here.

Is there a research colloquium for students pursuing a State Examination Thesis in TEFL?

All candidates working on their thesis at the TEFL department are invited to attend the department’s research colloquium. This forum provides an opportunity to present and discuss thesis ideas with an expert audience, and to receive constructive feedback and suggestions. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Dr. Leo Will (Leo.Will) for further details.