Podcast Episode 10: Project Management in Schools
Sebastian Müller:
Welcome to a new episode of our podcast Snacksize Project Management. In today's episode, I'm particularly pleased to welcome David Müllerleile. In our seventh episode, we already heard from our WIC colleagues about their paths to project management and that many of them already had their first points of contact during their studies. Today we want to take a look at how project management is now not just a subject at university, but is already a topic at many schools.
David Müllerleile teaches project management content at the “Integriertes Berufliches Gymnasium” (Integrated Vocational High School) and at the “Kaufmännische Schule Lahr” (Commercial School Lahr). I'm excited to learn more about his experiences and methods. Welcome, David!
David Müllerleile:
Thank you, Sebastian. I'm happy to be here. Briefly about myself: I teach at the “Integriertes Berufliches Gymnasium” (Integrated Vocational High School) in grades 11 to 13, among other things . There, "project learning" is part of the curriculum and is used as a form of teaching in various subjects. I integrate this into the subject of economics, among other things, where you can design and implement projects together with companies from the business world, for example.
In the subject of social management, around a quarter of the teaching time is also spent on planning and implementing projects. We cover the theory and apply what we have learned through cooperation with social organizations in which the students carry out real projects.
In the “Kaufmännische Schule Lahr” (Commercial School Lahr), there is a separate subject called "Project Competence". Here, the practical relevance is particularly easy to implement, as all students already work in the company as part of their dual training and can apply the knowledge they have learned directly to the employer.
Sebastian Müller:
That sounds very exciting, David. What theoretical content do you teach your students? How can we imagine this in concrete terms?
David Müllerleile:
We start with basic questions such as “What are the characteristics of a project?” or “What phases do you go through during a project?”. I also teach the students various methods such as the SMART method for goal setting, the SWOT analysis for situation analysis and various project planning tools such as project outlines, milestone planning or the Gantt chart. The students not only learn the theory, but also apply it directly in small projects.
Sebastian Müller:
What advantages or benefits have you recognized so far since you started teaching this subject?
David Müllerleile:
The students take a much more structured approach to complex tasks and are able to break them down into smaller work packages. They learn to find solutions independently and to organize their teamwork and distribution of roles. In addition, their self-organization is promoted, which benefits them in all areas of life - whether in school projects or in their private lives. They also learn to reflect on themselves and communicate better. Initial contact with the concept of “lessons learned” is also included.
Sebastian Müller:
And what is the feedback from your students? Do they find the subject interesting and do they enjoy it?
David Müllerleile:
The more practical relevance there is, the more the students enjoy it and the better they understand the necessity of project management. That's why I would like to see more cooperation with companies for my students to make the subject even more tangible for them.
Sebastian Müller:
That sounds like a great idea. How about initiating a cooperation with WIC?
David Müllerleile:
That would be great, Sebastian. Practical projects are incredibly valuable for students - they enjoy them more and are more likely to recognize the added value of what they have learned.
Sebastian Müller:
Then we should definitely start working on that! I can think of a few exciting projects right away! Let's talk about them separately and not reveal everything in this episode.
Dear listeners - you can stay tuned! We will keep you up to date on the topic and give you insights into this project.
David Müllerleile:
With pleasure! I'm looking forward to it.
Sebastian Müller:
David, thank you very much at this point for your time and your valuable input. It was very interesting to hear how project management is taught at school.
David Müllerleile:
Thank you very much, Sebastian. It was great fun. See you soon!
