An unusual name for an unusual book, P.A.U.L. D. is a textbook for the subject German at grammar schools in lower secondary education. It covers all learning areas of the subject and goes beyond them in the field of method training. The requirements of LehrplanPLUS are consistently implemented in P.A.U.L. D.

The fundamental principle of the book’s structure is its spiral-curricular design: the student volumes are conceived as a whole so that certain curriculum elements are repeatedly revisited and expanded, enabling learners by the end of lower secondary education to possess comprehensive subject knowledge combined with key competencies that allow them to succeed in upper secondary education.

Competence orientation – learning how to learn

Methods of learning, retaining, and recalling – the topic of school exams – dealing with literary and pragmatic texts – writing a research paper – preparing a presentation/speech – creating a structural outline/mind map – possibilities for interdisciplinary learning – initiation and promotion of individual learning processes and approaches …

Reading – dealing with texts

Orientation towards text types and thematic focuses – preparation of texts through guiding questions that reflect the working process during lessons and thus facilitate preparation – balance of analytical and production-oriented tasks – method-guided handling of pragmatic texts – promotion of reading techniques … and media.

The book as a medium

Working with electronic media and the internet – media criticism – film analysis – media production.

Speaking and listening

Recognizing and using different speaking intentions – oral storytelling and reporting – arguing – speech training – a theater-oriented unit in every volume, from acting to analysis – reciting poems – audio texts on the accompanying CD and on the BiBox for teachers …

Writing

Systematic planning and writing of different text formats – revision techniques – creative writing – and correct writing. An extensive method unit for learning spelling – systematic development of selected spelling issues – comprehensive material for individual practice – examining and reflecting on language use and language – very systematic development of important grammatical phenomena in specially designated units – linking language instruction with other task areas of the German subject – a high proportion of exercises also in these units.

This is also P.A.U.L. D. The dual structure of the table of contents illustrates the interconnection of topics, methods, and competencies. Each unit begins with an introductory double page that, in the spirit of learning transparency, provides an outlook on the key learning focuses and shows ways to present what has been learned.

The work impulses gradually develop – from simple to complex – initially the basic knowledge and address different learner types in a differentiated manner. They take into account the respective learning pace as well as the individual motivations and abilities of the students.