On 8 October 2026, English lecturers and academic staff from universities across Bavaria gathered at the University of Bayreuth for the bi-annual Bavarian Lecturers and Räte Meeting (BLRM). The event offered a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise, share practical teaching resources and discuss approaches to State Examination preparation and assessment.
This year's programme focused on two key areas: the oral State Examination and the assessment of Language Mediation (translation).
The morning sessions addressed the organisation and expectations of both parts of the oral examination, followed by afternoon workshops dedicated to Speaking Skills and Cultural Studies. Participants shared excellent practical resources, teaching materials and examples of best practice in preparing students for oral language assessment.
In parallel, colleagues responsible for Language Mediation explored alternative assessment systems for State Examination correction, considering their respective advantages and disadvantages for both candidates and examiners.
The lively discussions provided fresh perspectives and practical ideas to take back to our respective universities.
This time, the English Lektorat at the University of Passau was represented by Ophelia Blake, Erica Haas, our new colleague for Language Mediation Susanne Kollmann, Dr Marie-Louise Malkmus and Eartha Melzer.
Proceedings concluded with further networking at Liebesbier, Bayreuth's brewery restaurant – strictly academic, naturally!
Our sincere thanks go to Gesa Dyckerhoff and her colleagues at the University of Bayreuth for organising such a stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable event.