IZB Institute for International Cooperation in Education
About IZB
The IZB gains its particular profile by linking four areas: research and development, development cooperation, teaching and mobility. The IZB devotes itself to the international exchange of educational matters; it applies its experience of many years in development cooperation and its knowledge of intercultural issues to educational projects in Switzerland and abroad.
The IZB considers development cooperation and interculturality in education to be the focus of its academic debate and service provision.
The IZB - your partner for
- Development Cooperation: identification, consultation, implementation and evaluation of development projects in education in transition and developing countries
- Research and Development: research projects in the area of educational development cooperation and interculturality, evaluation of education projects and programmes, development of research-based concepts and projects
- Teacher Education: basic and continuous training for teacher education in the subjects of educational development cooperation and interculturality
- International Exchange: mobility programmes for students, teaching staff and academic personnel with Swiss as well as foreign partner institutions
Development Cooperation
The high-quality implementation of projects in development cooperation in education is of great significance to the IZB. The IZB is well-informed as to the current state of research and its work is linked to international agreements and experience. An experienced and qualified team as well as a network of independent consultants ensure the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of its services.
Service provision
The IZB accepts commissions in the following areas:
- identification missions
- advisory services and implementation of development projects in education
- evaluation of development projects and programmes
- organisation and realisation of study trips
The expertise of the IZB lies principally in the area of pre-school and primary school education, lower and upper secondary school levels, basic and continuous teacher training, design and implementation of curricula, school networks as well as educational resource centres.
Projects
The IZB has been commissioned for the following projects:
| Tanzania | Conception of an international conference on teachers' career ladder in cooperation with UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE) | 0-2011 |
| Mongolia | Advising the Ministry of Education on the development of school and adults education programmes to defeat desertification, commissioned by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Website SDC | 2007-2011 |
| Tanzania | Supporting the Tanzanian Teachers Union's (TTU) programme »English and Environmental Education in the Primary Schools of Arusha and Manyara Regions«, commissioned by Helvetas | 2003-2012 |
| Serbia | Advising the Ministry of Education of the establishment of basic and continous teacher training, commissioned by SDC | 2003-2010 |
| Serbia | Advising the Project Centre for Educational Reform in the Serbian Ministry of Education, commissioned by SDC | 2007-2010 |
| Bhutan | Impact assessment of SDC/Helvetas basic education projects in Bhutan, commissioned by Helvetas | 2009 |
| Austria, various countries | Technical-scientific advisory services for the educational sector of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), in cooperation with KEK-CDC, commissioned by ADA | 2007-2009 |
| South Eastern Europe | Training e-moderators of the Education Reform Initiative of South Estern Europe (ERI SEE), commissioned by ERI SEE | 2008-2009 |
| Laos PDR | Evaluation of the country programme of the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation (PCF), commissioned by PCF | 2008 |
| Switzerland / Africa | Evaluation of an ict4d-project (information and communication technologies for development), commissioned by SDC | 2006 |
| Macedonia | Identification mission in the field of education (secondary education, text books) in Macedonia, commissioned by SDC | 2003-2004 |
| Serbia | Identification mission for supporting the national school development programme, commissioned by SDC | 2004 |
| Serbia | Evaluation of SCD Education and Minority Programme in Serbia, commissioned by SDC | 2003 |
| Kosovo | Evaluation of Kosovo Education Centre (KEC): Didactic Centres in Kosovo commissioned by SDC | 2003 |
| Serbia | Evaluation of the World Bank's School Grant Program Pilot, commissioned by SDC | 2003 |
Research and Development
The IZB carries out research and development on relevant questions for educational development cooperation as well as on educational subjects that gain in significance within the framework of globalisation (Education for Sustainable Development, Global Learning, professional development of education personnel). In the area of interculturality the IZB deals with the effects of internationalisation as well as of mobility and migration on the education system, both in Switzerland and abroad. The expertise of the IZB relates in particular to international comparative studies, project evaluations as well as research-based concept and project development.
Service provision
The IZB carries out
- research in the area of interculturality and internationalisation in education, professional development of education personnel, education for sustainable development
- evaluation of projects and programmes in education in Switzerland and abroad
- research-based concept and project development
- expert consultations of institutions and educational administrations in Switzerland and abroad
Projects
| Guest editor of a special issue of the journal Prospects - UNESCO's Quarterly Review of Comperative Education on "Internationalisation in Teacher Education" | 2010-2011 |
| Development map for teachers: Development of a biographically oriented development instrument for education personnel, in cooperation with the PHZ Lucerne and the PHZ Schwyz | 2008-2010 |
| Case-studies on career ladder models for the teaching profession: effects, factors for success and hindrances | since 2007 |
| Impact assessment of the specalised study "Cultural Diversity in the School" | 2007-2010 |
| Study on The Benefit of International Student Exchange for Teacher Education, in cooperation with the University of Stavanger (Norway) and Iasi (Romania) | 2007-2010 |
| Development of a curriculum concept and exemplary curriculum units on lower secondary level, commissioned by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) | 2006-2009 |
| Evaluation of the professional standards for teachers of the PHZ Zug, in cooperation with the Institute of Management and Economics of Education IBB, commissioned by the PHZ Zug | 2008-2009 |
| Literature review and case studies on North-South partnerships in teacher education, commissioned by the Foundation Education and Development | 2007-2008 |
Edition of an international overview of the status of the academic field «Comperative Education», in cooperation with the University of Sofia (Bulgaria), the North-West University (South-Africa) and the Comparative Education Research Centre of the University of Hong Kong | 2007-2008 |
| International comparison of curricula on «Pauvreté et exclusion dans les curricula», commissioned by the International Bureau of Education of UNESCO | 2007 |
Survey on the status of the academic field «Comparative Education» in Switzerland and author of a country report | 2006-2008 |
| Research on the current situation of »Intercultural Education« in teacher training universities of Switzerland, commissioned by the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Universities of Teacher Education (COHEP) Report in German Report in French | 2006-2007 |
| Evaluation of the intercultural course «emPower« of the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation (PCF), commissioned by the PCF | 2006-2007 |
| Research project about attitudes towards teachers' career ladders, commissioned by the Swiss National Teacher Union (LCH) Report in German | 2004-2005 |
| Development of a manual on designing coherent selection processes for North-South research partnership programmes, commissioned by the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE) Manual in English Overview in French | 2004-2005 |
Teacher Education
The IZB makes use of its experience in research and development cooperation in basic and continuous training of teachers. Within the framework of teacher training it contributes towards making prospective teachers aware of questions that relate to transition and developing countries, as well as to the issue of migration in schools. In doing so it promotes the ability of teachers to work with pupils who have different cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Service provision
The IZB conceptualises, implements and evaluates basic and continuous teacher training courses in the area of development cooperation and interculturalism within the sphere of projects and subjects which the IZB is working on in research and development.
Examples
| Development Cooperation in Education, specialised study for future lower secondary, primary and pre-primary school teachers at PHZ Lucerne. Since 2003. | 12 ECTS |
| Cultural Diversity in the School, specialised study for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug. 2004-2011. | 9 ECTS |
| Learning to Shape the Future - Education for Sustainable Development, specialised study for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug. Since 2009. | 9 ECTS |
| Project studies »Immigrant children«, optional course for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug in which students have to conceptualise, implement, and author a research project. Since 2005. | 6 ECTS |
| Everyday life and Science, compulsory module for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug. Since 2005. | 3 ECTS |
| Migration and Education, optional module for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug. Since 2006. | 1.5 ECTS |
| Project studies for exchange students, optional course for future pre-primary and primary school teachers at PHZ Zug in which students deal with a specific topic relevant to their future profession by conducting a comparative study. Since 2008. |
International Office
The International Office PHZ is part of the IZB and mandated by the University of Teacher Education Central Switzerland (PHZ) to cultivate relationships with partner institutions in Switzerland, Europe and overseas as well as in transition and developing countries. The numerous partnerships promote exchange, intercultural communication and the exchange of knowledge. The mobility programmes enable the students and staff of the three sites of the PHZ and their partner universities to gain an insight into each others' educational systems and school cultures.
Service provision
The International Office is responsible for creating a network of partner institutions and organising exchange activities. It coordinates activities within the framework of the various mobility programmes in which the PHZ takes part. In addition to student exchanges the programme also includes study trips and joint research projects.
Mobility programmes
- Exchange programmes with Swiss Teacher Training Universities
- Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) of the European Union
- The North-South Partnership Programme of the Foundation Education and Development
- Exchange programmes with partner institutions overseas
Further information
The International Office PHZ has its own website.
IZB Team
Head of IZB / Until the end of March 2002, educational consultant for the School Development Service of Central Switzerland and PHZ project leader. Since 1994 consultant for development projects for the World Bank, SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) and PEZA (Swiss Group for Education Cooperation). Member of PEZA.
+41 41 727 12 75
markus.diebold @ phz.ch
Deputy Head of IZB, Research Associate / Secondary school teacher for mathematics and science. Collaborator in a social project at the Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile. Master degree in Education, Sociology and Ethnology and PhD in Education and Special Needs Education from the University of Zurich. Researcher for FS&S (Research Department for School Effectiveness and School Improvement, University of Zurich), Educational specialist for the Foundation Education and Development. Member of PEZA.
+41 41 727 12 76
priska.sieber @ phz.ch
Research Associate / Primary and secondary school teacher with several years of professional experience from different schools and levels in Zurich and Quito, Ecuador. Degree in Education and Psychology from the University of Zurich. Associate of the PHZ head office (Teacher Training University of Central Switzerland). Researcher for FS&S (Research Department for School Effectiveness and School Improvement, University of Zurich).
+41 41 727 12 73
bruno.leutwyler @ phz.ch
Research Associate / Master degree in Education, Sociology and Psychology from the University of Bielefeld, Germany with a focus on adult education and intercultural education. Consultancy in education and development (training, counselling, project management) in Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus, in cooperation with organisations in non-formal education and with development organisations. Recruitment and training of specialists for long-term missions in development projects of partner organizations in developing countries.
+41 41 727 12 74
eveline.steinger @ phz.ch
Research Associate / Master degree in Social Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Zurich with a focus on education and ethnicity in East Africa. Postgraduate Studies on Developing Countries (NADEL). Consultancy in the field of international cooperation (vocational education & training, ict4d, evaluation, planning, project management). Field experiences from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Malaysia. Project Coordinator in Kosovo for the NGO HEKS. Studies and social work on migration and integration in Switzerland.
+41 41 727 12 67
markus.john @ phz.ch
Research Associate / Master degree in History, Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Zurich. PhD in Sociology from the University of Constance. Diploma of Advanced Studies in Conflict Research and Conflict Resolution, University of Basel. Research Associate at the University of Constance and at the University of Lucerne. Several research projects in the USA, in Germany and in Switzerland.
+41 41 727 12 88
christine.matter @ phz.ch
Senior Consultant / Master degree in Agriculture Economics and Diploma in Agricultural Education at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich. Project leadership for various multi-million relief, rehabilitation and development projects. 15 years Senior Manager with international NGO’s in Africa.Team leader / team member for the development of capacity building approaches, training materials and country strategies. Specialised in organisational development, project cycle management and facilitation techniques.
+41 41 727 12 92
marc.bloch @ phz.ch
Research Assistant / Master degree in Sociology from the University of Lucerne with a focus on Sociology of Law (societal effects of law, social control), Sociology of Organizations and Systems Theory. Scientific assistant in a research project at the University of Lucerne. Working experiences in India.
+41 41 727 12 68
samantha.lottenbach @ phz.ch
Research Assistant / Master degree in Geography and Sociology from the University of Zurich. Scientific assistant at the University of Zurich. Working experiences as grammar school teacher.
+41 41 727 13 26
claudia.meierhans @ phz.ch
Research Assistant / Primary and secondary school teacher with several years of professional experience from different schools and levels in Zurich. Master degree in Cultural Anthropology, International Law and Religious Studies from the University of Zurich. Working experiences in Indonesia and Tanzania.
+41 41 727 12 91
carola.mantel @ phz.ch
Head International Office / Commercial education and broad experience in tourism and communication. Former courier with experiences in Europe and Overseas. She is the contact person for students.
+41 41 727 12 78
brigitte.brechbuehl @ phz.ch
Collaborator International Office / Master degree in Sociology, History, Political Science and German Literature from the University of Konstanz, Germany. Vocational Training as Consultant in Public Relations. Several years of professional experience in International Offices of different universities in Germany. Working experience at the Technical Assistance Office of the EU Commission in Brussels.
+41 41 727 12 79
susanne.zelasny @ phz.ch
Secretary IZB / Commercial training, Several years of professional experience as manager's assistant and accountant. Trainer in ICT-courses.
+41 41 727 12 87
ruth.buehlmann @ phz.ch
Further Information
PHZ Zug
Zugerbergstrasse 3
6300 Zug
Switzerland
+41 41 727 12 87
+41 41 727 12 01
izb @ zug.phz.ch
www.izb.phz.ch