Aktuell

• von Dr. Alexandra Nießen
• 18.09.2026

Mathematics – a subject feared by many pupils. Prof. Dr Lena Wessel wants to change that and demonstrates how important language is for understanding the world of numbers. In her empirical work, she collaborates with schools, amongst others, and develops professional development programmes for maths teachers.

[Dr Alexandra Niessen:] How would you explain your research to someone outside your field?

[Prof. Dr Lena Wessel:] Specifically, I focus on issues relating to the learning of mathematics at secondary level. I am particularly interested in the role of language, a comprehension-oriented approach to teaching analytical geometry, and the professional development of mathematics teachers. Our work is very practice-oriented; this means we collaborate with schools and collect data in mathematics lessons, in mathematics teacher training programmes, or in university courses. 

What is it about this topic that fascinates you personally?

I am fascinated by how many factors interplay in the teaching of mathematics – particularly when it comes to the interaction between children and young people, with teaching materials and with their maths teachers. And because society and technology are constantly changing, new challenges and areas of research are continually emerging.

What would you like to achieve at the UDE in the coming years?

My predecessor at UDE, Prof. Dr. Bärbel Barzel, has already done a great deal to develop the teacher training programme for secondary schools (HRSGe). So, when it comes to university teaching and links with local schools, I’m in a good position to build on that work.

At the same time, through my interdisciplinary focus on language development, teacher training and the relevant projects, I would like to help ensure that mathematics is taught in a way that fosters language development and understanding, even in the higher year groups right up to the Abitur. Educational equity is also a matter close to my heart. We are not well positioned in this regard in Germany, so there is much to be done from the perspective of mathematics education as well. 

What misconception about your field of expertise would you like to clear up?

People outside the field of subject-specific didactics often think that our work is all about teaching methods and that we do nothing but teach and research these. And, of course, it makes sense to define methods in the classroom; however, research into the teaching of mathematics extends into many other areas and is highly interdisciplinary.

Further information:
Prof. Dr Lena Wessel, Mathematics Education, phone. +49 (0)201/18-37583, lena.wessel@uni-due.de

Editor: Dr Alexandra Niessen, alexandra.niessen@uni-due.de