Julia Klumparendt, from the Geography Education research group led by Prof. Dr. Nöthen, was nominated for the Teaching Award by the Department of Geography's evaluation project group, following a proposal by the student council. She manages a considerable teaching load of 13 semester hours per week and has an exceptionally broad teaching portfolio, encompassing courses at both Bachelor's and Master's level as well as subject-specific, subject-didactic, and interdisciplinary formats — ranging from content-focused seminars to methods and project seminars, field trips, and on-site learning. Her courses regularly receive top ratings in teaching evaluations: students value her strong subject-specific and methodological expertise as well as the appreciative and motivating learning atmosphere she creates.
Particularly noteworthy is the high level of individual support and accessibility she offers, which students consistently highlight positively in evaluations — she is also extensively involved in supervising theses, especially those of teacher-training students. At the start of her courses, Julia Klumparendt systematically gathers students' expectations and interests and consistently incorporates them into her planning. For teacher-training students, she specifically integrates elements such as project days and school visits to address the strong need for a connection between theory and practice.
Her self-conception as a learning facilitator shapes her teaching: students' existing knowledge is actively valued and integrated into a low-hierarchy learning atmosphere. Through her action-oriented teaching approach, she creates spaces in which students can actively contribute their own perspectives and skills. She is also a driving force behind the development of new, participatory teaching and learning concepts: she involves Master's students in the design and delivery of field trips, allowing them to set their own priorities and experience a sense of self-efficacy within their subject area. Together with the AK Kritische Geographien (Critical Geographies working group), she also led a collaborative seminar on "Impulses for Science Communication" in the winter semester 2025/26.
Julia Klumparendt is furthermore actively involved in the ongoing development of the curriculum, currently focusing in particular on improving the start of studies and on developing tools that address the transition from school to university and help identify and close gaps in students' knowledge. Drawing on her experience as a schoolteacher, she brings valuable insight from everyday school life to this work. As a systemic counsellor (in training), she also puts this expertise at the service of the Institute: for students and doctoral candidates going through difficult phases — such as doubts about their studies or themselves, or feelings of being overwhelmed — she offers a counselling approach positioned between formal academic advising and psychological counselling.
The Department of Geography thanks Julia Klumparendt for her outstanding commitment to studies and teaching and warmly congratulates her on receiving the University of Bonn Teaching Award!