Dr. Christoph Helm conducted pedagogical research at the JKU for many years. After a professorship in Switzerland, he is returning to the JKU and today is his first day as the new head of the Department for Educational Research.

Does it feel a bit strange to return to your old department?
Prof. Christoph Helm: I have to admit it does feel a bit strange. After spendig a year in Switzerland as a research professor, I'm now back here. Before, I was a colleague, but now I am both a colleague as well as head of the department. But we all get along very well at the department and this was one of the main reasons I returned. I would not have accepted the professorship position if my colleagues had objected - and most likely I may not have even gotten the position.

Why did you want to return to Linz? What does the JKU have that Switzerland doesn't have?
Prof. Christoph Helm: Switzerland is very beautiful. The research team at the PH Zug is also top-notch. However, I hold a more of a research-only professorship there, which I am continuing on a part-time basis. While there is an advantage to be able to concentrate on conducting research, the disadvantage is focusing purely on conducting research. I miss teaching. At the JKU, I have contact with students again. In addition, the JKU has a dynamic atmosphere that facilitates new and exciting projects.

Does the professorship position mean any changes for you?
Prof. Christoph Helm: The JKU’s School of Education is part of the so-called Central Cluster, meaning that teacher education training takes place together with the universities in Linz and in Salzburg. Coordinating all of this is no small feat and while it can be quite time-consuming, at the same time it is a compelling challenge, one I am happy to accept.

Speaking of students, should they be afraid or look forward to your classes?
Prof. Christoph Helm: (laughs) Well, no one needs to be afraid! I'm not interested in the pressure that can be created due to grading and I love to hold discussions with students. I am always available and I usually respond to e-mails very quickly. From the feedback, I know students appreciate this very much.

You've conducted a lot of research on learning and school. What does pedagogy and education look like in modern times?
Prof. Christoph Helm: The Covid-19 pandemic has confirmed what we’ve been seeing for years now: The content itself is not as important as the education to independently acquire knowledge. Job advertisement analyses show that important virtues in the workplace include flexibility and the ability to work independently. These are almost always required first and something one needs to learn at school. The "new media" is, of course, also important. This includes video conferencing as well as working on learning platforms, tablets and the like. We know that a recent parent survey showed that despite experiencing this pandemic over the past year and having 3 school lockdowns, only one in two children are getting joint online lessons.

What is currently your area of research?
Prof. Christoph Helm: We are currently conducting a representative parent survey about the third lockdown. It contains interesting insight into many areas, including the burden on families.

Your research focuses on education - why? Did you have bad experiences at school?
Prof. Christoph Helm: (laughs) On the contrary. I had such a great teacher in business administration that it really made me want to pursue a business degree. But this teacher also sparked my interest in teaching. I put the two together and decided to pursue a degree in business education - and I've never regretted it.