Pädagogische Hochschule Zug

Fachbereich Sprachen

	Head:	Prof. Dr. Esther Kamm
	Adress:	Zugerbergstrasse 3, 6300 Zug
	Website:	www.phzg.ch
	Email:	sinja.ballmer@phzg.ch
	Contact:	Sinja Ballmer, departement head

The Department of Languages at the Zug University of Teacher Education (PH Zug) comprises the subject areas of German/German as a Second Language (DaZ), English and French. It trains future teachers in professional, competence-based teaching methods for mother tongues and foreign languages. It supports schools and teachers through expert advice, continuing professional development and work on the pedagogical development of languages.

Language and literature pedagogy, as well as the complexity of language practices, are central to the German/DaZ Department’s work. The aim is to acquire the necessary qualifications to promote communicative and literary skills. Close collaboration with the research units Zentrum Mündlichkeit (Centre for Orality) and Dozentur DaZ (DaZ Chair) ensures, on the one hand, teaching based on scientific findings and, on the other, practice-oriented research and development.

The English Department is committed to developing teaching materials and methodologies for the teaching of English at primary level. The topics covered include academic language, vocabulary acquisition and digital storytelling, as well as the needs of specific learner groups such as native speakers or ‘SoMeGas’ (social media users, gamers, etc.), who are already developing advanced English language skills through their media consumption even before they begin taking English lessons.

The French Department also develops teaching materials and support resources, particularly for bilingual and interdisciplinary teaching. The focus is on learning French at primary level, promoting communication skills and exchanges with French-speaking Switzerland.