The socialization of German university teachers: Some observations on role acquisition in an academic context and the consequent institutional effects

Recent trends in universities in the German Federal Republic are reviewed with special reference to the norms, values and attitudes of university teachers. Despite democratising influences the head of department is still a powerful figure. Recruits to the university teaching profession tend to conform to traditional values and ideas about the university. This has implications for the importance given to teaching. It is suggested that change may be brought about by helping academic staff to understand more fully the practical implications of the maintenance of traditional positions and also by exploiting opportunities which appear in the course of organising workshops devoted to the improvement of teaching in higher education.This is an abbreviated version prepared by the Coordinating Editor, of a longer article, available from the author, dealing with the topic at greater length. We are grateful for permission to include this study in the special issue on academics - Coordinating Editor.