Katrin Saar

Katrin Saar is a dedicated German language educator at the University of Tartu's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Institute of Foreign Languages and Cultures, where she has served as a Teacher of German Language since 2021 and as Programme Director since 2017. Her academic career at the University of Tartu spans from 1999 to present, with various teaching and administrative roles focused on German language education.

Education:

• PhD studies in German-Romance Philology at University of Tartu (2019-present, interrupted)
• MA in German Language and its Teaching from FernUniversität Hagen (2003-2005)
• BA in German Language and Literature from University of Tartu (1993-1996)

Katrin Saar's research centers on innovative approaches to German language teaching, with particular emphasis on the use of playful identity change and fictional identities as didactic tools. Her work explores how role-playing and identity transformation can enhance oral communication skills and student engagement in language learning environments. She investigates the integration of cultural elements from the target language into beginner-level instruction, examining how cultural immersion through identity adoption facilitates language acquisition. Her research bridges applied linguistics, educational psychology, and intercultural communication, focusing on practical classroom applications that break traditional teaching routines.

Analysis of her publication history reveals a consistent focus on identity-based language teaching methodologies, particularly the use of fictional identities to enhance communicative competence. Her work spans from theoretical explorations of identity transformation in language learning to practical applications in intensive courses and beginner instruction. A notable trend is her integration of cultural elements with language pedagogy, examining how understanding German culture through identity adoption improves language acquisition. Her research demonstrates evolution from traditional teaching methods toward innovative, student-centered approaches that prioritize engagement and practical communication skills.

Scientific Awards:

• Tartu University honorary badge (2023)
• Tartu University HV didactics center scholarship (2021)
• Tartu University good teaching grant (2017)

Katrin Saar has demonstrated significant administrative leadership through various roles including serving on the board of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures (2019-2021), the Faculty of Philosophy board (2013-2014), and as Head of the German and French Language department at the University of Tartu Language Center (2012-2014). Her grant activities include the Tartu University good teaching grant in 2017, which likely supported her innovative teaching methodologies. While specific details about students she has advised are limited in the provided information, her doctoral research on "Playful identity change as a didactic tool for teaching German as a foreign language" suggests expertise in this specialized area of language education.

Though not explicitly mentioned in terms of specific labs, Saar's work appears integrated within the University of Tartu's language education infrastructure, particularly through the Language Center and Institute of Foreign Languages and Cultures. Her collaborative publications with colleagues like Terje Loogus and Krista Uibu indicate active participation in research teams focused on innovative language teaching methodologies. Her involvement in the Vladimir-Admoni program in Göttingen during fall semester 2019 for doctoral research suggests international collaboration in her field.