Review of the 10th Anniversary Symposium on School Psychology 2023

"Opportunities and Challenges of the Modern School"

On June 23, 2023, more than 100 guests, including representatives from education policy, the University and University Hospital (UKT) Tübingen, as well as school psychologists from across Germany, attended the invitation of Prof. Dr. Caterina Gawrilow at the University of Tübingen. The occasion marked 10 successful years of the School Psychology program in Tübingen, celebrating the country's only Master of Science in School Psychology program, which has seen over 160 graduates, in the Old Auditorium of the University.

The lively scientific exchange among all attendees was fostered by the program, which featured two keynote lectures. The topics were “The Relationship Between Intelligence Profiles, School Performance Difficulties in Math, Reading, and Writing, and Behavioral Problems in Primary and Lower Secondary School Students” (Prof. Dr. Monika Daseking, Helmut-Schmidt-University Hamburg) and “Using Digital Technology to Prevent Mental Illness” (Prof. Dr. Johanna Löchner, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tübingen). Following the expert lectures, a student presentation highlighted a key feature of the program: the involvement of students and the important and intensive exchange in science and practice during their studies. The subsequent poster session, featuring 16 posters, invited lively discussions during the lunch break. Many of the posters were created by alumni of the program, offering insights into other important aspects and current topics.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Fabian Lang addressed the question, "How can research contribute to the improved school integration of students with developmental risks?" The experts (Prof. Dr. Monika Daseking, Anne Henchen, Dr. Anke Leuthold-Zürcher, Prof. Dr. Tobias Renner, Prof. Dr. Gertrud Stadler) also emphasized the need for multiprofessional teams in the school environment. The well-attended event benefited from the personal connection with the School Psychology Department. We look forward to the future collaborative projects inspired by this symposium.

Viola Tragieser and Carmen Melchers, Coordinators Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty, Department of Psychology, School Psychology Division