New Perspectives in Science Education

Tobias Schmohl is a Learning Sciences specialist with a particular focus on Higher Education. He holds the position of Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Media Production, TH OWL, Lemgo since 2023.

Tobias’ academic background started with a Master of Arts in German Studies, Rhetoric, Philosophy, and Comparative Literature from the University of Tübingen in 2010. He furthered his education at the same university, earning a Doctorate in Philosophy in 2014.

In 2014, Tobias joined Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen as a Program Director, managing Sociology, Politics & Economics, and General Management programs. His postdoctoral journey began at the University of Hamburg, where he was part of the Hamburger Zentrum für Universitäres Lehren und Lernen (HUL).

His career at TH OWL (Lemgo) began in 2018 as a Full Professor for Higher Education and Media Education within the Institute for Science Dialogue and the Faculty of Media Production.

Tobias's research focuses on higher education teaching and learning, a branch of educational research intersecting with university and science research. He specializes in qualitative higher education research, particularly in ethnographic methods of instructional research and Design-Based Research. He is an editor for the scientific book series "Higher Education. Teaching and Research" (transcript) and TeachingXchange (wbv media), and co-editor of the journal "Application-Oriented Higher Education Research – AOHER."

With expertise in Teaching & Learning Sciences, Tobias combines insights from Higher Education Research, Curriculum Studies, and the Philosophy of Science. He fervently believes in the role of university teaching as a bridge between social initiatives and scientific endeavours. His pedagogical approach is geared towards equipping students for professional practice, fostering real-world skills, and advocating civic engagement. Tobias has a keen interest in pioneering teaching methods in higher education.

He is a strong proponent of research-based teaching, believing that integrating current research and scientific dialogue into curricula and teaching methods can substantially improve the learning experience at the university. Tobias’s teaching expertise covers a wide array of subjects including Media Studies, Economics, Pedagogy, and Computer Science. He teaches across different faculties, engaging with students at universities of applied sciences, and also with doctoral candidates and post-docs at research universities.

Area/s of Expertise: Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Educational Research, Interdisciplinary Studies, Qualitative Research, Ethnographic Methods, Design-Based Research, Media Studies, Curriculum Studies, Philosophy of Science, Research-Based Teaching, University Curriculum Development.