The Institute for Vocational, Business and Social Pedagogy at the University of Cologne (Prof. Dr. Detlef Buschfeld, Prof. Dr. Nicole Naeve-Stoß) developed a programme to train trainers from the district authorities of Arnsberg, Detmold, Düsseldorf and Münster, who, as multipliers for in-school training within the framework of the state-wide training programme  „Heterogenität als Herausforderung am Berufskolleg“ [Heterogeneity as a Challenge at Vocational Colleges], will support and mentor future facilitators of Module K (Systematically Presenting and Promoting Competence Development) and Module D (Differentiating Teaching Materials and Levels of Difficulty). A key feature of the concept is the combination of face-to-face and video conference phases. The video conference phases are based on the flipped classroom principle and are prepared using information dossiers.

The first trial of the concept took place between January and September 2019 and was module-specific. In addition to the kick-off and closing events, which are organised as face-to-face sessions for all participants, the training of the participating multipliers took place over three half-days in the respective Modules D or K in the form of video conferences. Using Cisco WebEx Meeting, topics were dealt with and discussed interactively in a virtual conference room to prepare for work with the training courses within the in-school teacher training (SchiLf) framework. 

The information packages/briefing materials for this were provided in the form of an ‘Advance Organiser’. The Advance Organiser served to present the information, content, work assignments, etc. within the training programme in a structured and digital format, thereby individualising the learning pathway. This enabled participants to always access the information they need for their individual learning process. 

The training of multipliers was complemented by a commitment to support the multipliers within the parallel continuing professional development programme „Heterogenität als Herausforderung am Berufskolleg“ [Heterogeneity as a Challenge at Vocational Colleges] 2019, through the use of in-school training in Modules D and/or K. The multipliers gained SchiLf experience by ‘observing’ or acting as co-facilitators.