Dirk Eikmeyer

Dr. Dirk Eikmeyer serves as a Senior Student Councillor in Higher Education at the University of Münster, working within the Institute for Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. He has held this position since May 2023, following his role as a Senior teacher in higher education at WWU Münster from August 2022 to May 2023. His academic career at the university spans nearly a decade, with previous positions including Deputy teacher at the Institute for Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Science in Prof. Dr. Höveler's working group from August 2020 to July 2022, and teacher in Prof. Dr. Käpnick's group from August 2014 to July 2020.

Dr. Eikmeyer completed his academic education with a 1st State Examination at the University of Münster from October 1988 to November 1993, focusing on Mathematics, German, and General Studies. He then completed his traineeship for the 2nd State Examination at the Gelsenkirchen Teacher Training College from December 1993 to December 1995. In September 2021, he obtained his doctorate (Dr. paed.) at the Institute of Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Science at WWU Münster with a dissertation titled 'Untersuchungen zur Wirksamkeit des Praxissemesters auf die berufsbezogenen Überzeugungen von Lehramtsstudierenden im Fach Mathematik (G).'

Dr. Eikmeyer's research primarily focuses on competence development during practical phases of teacher education and the integration of digital media in mathematics studies. His work examines how teacher trainees develop their professional beliefs and subject-specific learning during practical teaching experiences, particularly in primary school mathematics education. He has conducted extensive empirical research on the impact of the practical semester (Praxissemester) on the professionalization of mathematics teacher trainees at WWU Münster, investigating how these experiences shape future teachers' conceptions of effective mathematics instruction in primary schools. His research demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the professional development trajectories of prospective mathematics teachers as they transition from theoretical knowledge to practical classroom application.

His publications reveal a strong research trajectory centered on teacher professionalization during practical phases. The studies analyze how teacher trainees engage with subject-specific learning, develop epistemological beliefs about mathematics teaching, and how these evolve through practical experiences. His work consistently demonstrates methodological rigor in examining the professional development of mathematics teacher trainees, with particular attention to primary mathematics education contexts and the transition from university-based learning to classroom practice.

Dr. Eikmeyer teaches a comprehensive range of courses related to primary school mathematics education, including 'Mathematics Learning in Primary School,' 'Word Problems in Mathematics,' and 'Media Use in Primary Mathematics Instruction.' His teaching schedule extends through the 2025/26 academic year, with multiple seminar groups and practical study components. He is particularly involved in preparing and supervising students during their practical semester (Praxissemester), which represents a crucial phase in German teacher education where theoretical knowledge meets classroom practice.

At the University of Münster, Dr. Eikmeyer works within the research team of the Institute for Didactics of Mathematics and Computer Science, collaborating with professors such as Dr. Karina Höveler (with whom he worked during his habilitation phase) and previously with Dr. Friedhelm Käpnick. His work contributes significantly to the institute's research agenda focused on mathematics education, teacher professional development, and the effective integration of practical experiences in teacher training programs. He is also involved in the Math Center Münster (MaZ), which promotes mathematical potential for all students.