Bärbel Barzel

Bärbel Barzel is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics Education at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE). She leads the working group AG Barzel, which focuses on innovative approaches to mathematics teaching and teacher training. Her work integrates digital tools, formative assessment, and inclusive pedagogy to enhance learning across secondary and higher education levels.

Her research interests include:

• Mathematics Education and Didactics
• Formative and diagnostic assessment (e.g., SMART system)
• Digital tools in teaching (e.g., e-assessment, guided discovery)
• Teacher professionalization and continuing education
• Blended learning and educational equity
• Context-based and hands-on mathematics learning

Her recent projects, such as SMART, Com’e MINT, and KOSIMA, reflect her commitment to improving teaching quality and accessibility in STEM education. These initiatives often involve collaboration with schools, publishers, and national/international networks. Although no direct list of publications is provided, her frequent scientific and practical lectures indicate active scholarly engagement in mathematics education research.

She has supervised doctoral students, including Dr. Lisa Göbel, and collaborated with international partners (e.g., University of Melbourne). Her leadership in major projects like FaSMEd (EU-funded) and DZLM highlights her national and international impact.

Notable projects include:

• SMART: Digital, understanding-oriented diagnostic tools for mathematics education
• Com’e MINT: Adaptive STEM training modules in community networks
• KOSIMA: Context-based meaningful mathematics learning
• FaSMEd: Formative assessment in science and mathematics education (EU project)
• T³ (Teachers Teaching with Technology): Organized from 1995 to 2021, promoting technology use in math and science teaching

She is also involved in teacher training through the German Centre for Mathematics Teacher Training (DZLM) and contributes to curriculum innovation via collaborations with Cornelsen and lernen:digital. Her group supports student theses and offers practical teaching workshops.