Prof. Dr. Torben Schmidt

21335 Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, C1.120
Fon +49.4131.677-2616, torben.schmidt@leuphana.de
Professor, Professorship of English Didactics
The Future Centre of Teacher Education

Table of contents for this page

Vita

Torben Schmidt has been Professor of Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany, since 2011. His research interests focus on project-based learning, task-based language learning, and foreign language learning with digital media (esp. digital games, intelligent tutoring systems, AI-supported learning and teaching). From 2018-2024 he was the founder and director of the Future Center of Teacher Education at Leuphana University and coordinator of the Lüneburg project of the Initiative for Excellence for Teacher Education funded by the Germany Ministry of Research and Education. He is the editor and author of a middle-level textbook series and the developer of learning apps. Professor Schmidt is a two-time winner of the Hans-Eberhard Piepho Prize and was awarded the “Germany – Land of Ideas” prize in 2015 for his blended learning project, “Going Green – An Educational Project for Sustainability.” Over 8000 students from 408 German EFL classrooms participated in his 2024 U.S. Embassy School Election Project.

Education, Employment, and Positions

  • winter term 2016/2017: visiting scholarat the University College of Teacher Education in Vienna.
  • since Jan 2012: Prof. of English Didactics at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
  • Apr 2011 - Jan 2012: Prof. (Jun.-Prof.) of English Didactics at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
  • summer term 2010: visiting scholar at the Saint Mary's University in Halifax (Canada).
  • Dec 2008 – Mar 2011: associate, Giessen International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC).
  • Jan 2007 – Apr 2008: research assistant, M.A. "E-LINGO – Teaching languages to young learners", Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany.
  • Jun 2004 – Apr 2007: doctoral research project, topic of dissertation: "Gemeinsames   Lernen   mit   Selbstlernsoftware   –   Eine   empirische Analyse lernprogrammgestützter Partnerarbeitsphasen im Unterricht der Klasse  7"  (Cooperative  learning  with  language   learning  software), (advisor: Prof. Dr. Michael K. Legutke, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany), (graduation with highest honour).
  • Jan 2003 – Jun 2006: research assistant, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
  • Oct  2002  –  Jun  2004:  postgraduate  studies,  English  Literature  and Linguistics,   Goethe  University,  Frankfurt,  Germany  (graduation  with distinction).
  • Oct 1998 – Jun 2002: teacher training studies, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Psychology, Educational Sciences, first state examination,  teaching degree  for  secondary  schools,  Justus  Liebig University, Giessen, Germany (graduation with distinction).

Teaching

  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Projects

  1. Leuphana Language Learning Innovation Lab – Interdisziplinäre Design-Werkstatt für zukunftsweisende Lehr- und Lernmaterialien
    Torben Schmidt (Project manager, academic) , Sina Werner (Project manager, academic)
    →

    Project: Transfer (R&D project)

  2. The 2024 U.S. Elections School Project
    Torben Schmidt (Project manager, academic)
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    Project: Practical Project

  3. Transformations:Räume für zukunftsorientiertes Lernen
    Andrea Japsen (Coordination) , Nicolas Meier (Coordination) , Matthias Wenzel (Project manager, academic) , Steffen Farny (Project manager, academic) , Torben Schmidt (Project manager, academic) , Boukje Cnossen (Project manager, academic)
    →

    Project: Other

  4. Going Green – Education for Sustainability
    Torben Schmidt (Project manager, academic)
    →

    Project: Transfer (R&D project)

  5. American Studies Blog VIII
    Torben Schmidt (Project manager, academic)
    →

    Project: Other

View all projects

Publications

Books and anthologies

  1. Lerner:innentexte im Fremdsprachenunterricht: Theorie, Praxis, Forschung
    Benitt Nora (Editor) , Daniel Becker (Editor) , Katharina Delius (Editor) , Torben Schmidt (Editor) , 2025 1 ed. , 204 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologies › Collected editions and anthologies › Research

  2. Innovationen in Theorie-Praxis-Netzwerken - Beiträge zur Weiterentwicklung der Lehrkräftebildung
    Timo Ehmke (Editor) , Sandra Fischer-Schöneborn (Editor) , Kurt Reusser (Editor) , Dominik Leiss (Editor) , Torben Schmidt (Editor) , Swantje Weinhold (Editor) , 2022 1 ed. Weinheim , 342 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologies › Collected editions and anthologies › Research

  3. Themenheft "Inklusion"
    David Gerlach (Editor) , Torben Schmidt (Editor) , 2021 Baltmannsweiler , 153 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologies › Special Journal issue › Research

  4. Games
    Roger Dale Jones (Editor) , Torben Schmidt (Editor) , 2020 Seelze , 49 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologies › Special Journal issue › Education

  5. Notting Hill Gate 6: [Textbook] für Klasse 10 an Gesamtschulen und anderen integrierenden Schulformen
    Torben Schmidt (Editor) , 2020 Braunschweig , 376 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologies › Compendium/lecture notes › Education

View all publications

Journal contributions

  1. Implicit statistical learning and working memory predict EFL development and written task outcomes in adolescents
    Diana Pili-Moss (Author) , Phillip Hamrick (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , Detmar Meurers (Author) , Katharona Wendebourg (Author) , 01.07.2025 , in: System, 131 , 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review

  2. Don't trust the machine - KI für das Schreiben von Beschwerdetexten nutzen
    Torben Schmidt (Author) , Thomas Strasser (Author) , 01.07.2023 , in: Der Fremdsprachliche Unterricht. Englisch, 57, 184 , p. 20-26 , 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Education › peer-review

  3. Designing Digital Material for Foreign Language Learning
    Manuela Schlick (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , 01.01.2023 , in: CELT Matters, 2023 , p. 22-24 , 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review

  4. Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: A CALL for Intelligent Practice
    Torben Schmidt (Author) , Thomas Strasser (Author) , 01.01.2022 , in: Anglistik - International Journal of English Studies, 33, 1 , p. 165-184 , 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review

  5. Inklusiver Fremdsprachenunterricht: Positionspapier der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (DGFF)
    David Gerlach (Author) , Karin Vogt (Author) , Carolyn Blume (Author) , Solveig Chilla (Author) , Gerard Doetjes (Author) , Maria Eisenmann (Author) , Sophie Engelen (Author) , Lena Heine (Author) , Almut Küppers (Author) , Nicole Marx (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , Jürgen Mertens (Author) , Jan Springob (Author) , Katharina Wieland (Author) , Eva Wilden (Author) , 01.01.2021 , in: Zeitschrift für Fremdsprachenforschung, 32, 1 , p. 3-9 , 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research

View all publications

Contributions to collected editions/anthologies

  1. Effective digital practice in the competence-oriented English as a foreign language classroom in Germany: Focus on L2 development and feedback in an intelligent tutorial system
    Torben Schmidt (Author) , Diana Pili-Moss (Author) , 14.05.2025 , p. 146-158 , 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Research › peer-review

  2. DELT – Digitally-Enhanced Language Teaching: Ein standortübergreifendes Lehr-Lernkonzept zur digitalisierungsbezogenen Professionalisierung von Englischlehramtsstudierenden
    Joline Schmidt (Author) , Lisa Klaasen (Author) , Svea Wucherpfennig (Author) , Carolyn Blume (Author) , Henning Rossa (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , 14.04.2025 Bielefeld , p. 167-183 , 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Article in conference proceedings › Research › peer-review

  3. Connecting sustainability and culture: Building competencies through virtual exchange
    Jodie Birdman (Author) , Handan Çelik (Author) , Irina Pandarova (Author) , Anne Barron (Author) , Nora Benitt (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , 08.04.2025 Cham , p. 729-747 , 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Chapter › Research › peer-review

  4. Student Game Design for Language Learning
    Torben Schmidt (Author) , 18.03.2025 1 ed. Cham , 5 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Chapter › Research › peer-review

  5. Inszenierung
    Almut Küppers (Author) , Torben Schmidt (Author) , 15.02.2025 3 ed. Stuttgart , p. 202-203 , 2 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Chapter › Research › peer-review

View all publications

Activities

  1. A CALL for data-informed focus-on-form practice – Intelligent Language Tutoring System as the key to personalized and adaptive EFL learning
    Torben Schmidt (Speaker)

    Activity: Guest lectures › Research

  2. Saying it kindly, saying It well: Teaching pragmatics for SUSTAINABILITY and GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
    Anne Barron (Speaker) , Onur Çiçek (Speaker) , Jodie Birdman (Coauthor) , Torben Schmidt (Coauthor)
    →

    Activity: talk or presentation in privat or public events › Transfer

  3. Communities of Practice in der Lehrkräftebildung: Potenziale und Herausforderungen am Beispiel institutionen- und phasenübergreifender Entwicklungsteams der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
    Torben Schmidt (Speaker) , Timo Ehmke (Speaker)

    Activity: Conference Presentations › Research

  4. The U.S. Embassy School Election Project - Entwicklung von Kompetenzen für eine demokratische Kultur
    Torben Schmidt (Speaker) , Sina Werner (Speaker)

    Activity: Conference Presentations › Research

  5. Vortrag für Lehrende in Erstorientierungskurse: Fremdsprachenlernen und -lehren trifft KI – Potenziale, Herausforderungen und  Ausblicke für den Unterricht von heute und morgen
    Torben Schmidt (Speaker)

    Activity: Guest lectures › Transfer

View all activities

Press / Media

  1. Podacst "Das Salz für die Lehre": Episode: "Lehre digital denken mit Moodle"
    1 Media contribution

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  2. Plurilingual learners in the EFL classroom
    1 Media contribution

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  3. Knopf im Ohr statt Vokabellernen - Sollten Kinder eine zweite Fremdsprache lernen, Herr Schmidt?
    1 Media contribution

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  4. Der Spiegel - "Kleine Pause" Der Bildungs-Newsletter, Dienstag, 3. Dezember 2024
    1 Media contribution

    Press/Media: Press/Media

  5. NDR-Beitrag: "Die US-Wahlnacht am Johanneum in Lüneburg"
    1 Media contribution

    Press/Media: Press/Media

View all press/media coverage

Prizes

  1. Twillo OER Offene Bildungsressource des Monats Januar 2024
    Gitte Köllner (Recipient) Inga Cornelia Dwenger (Recipient) Torben Schmidt (Recipient) Sabrina Völz (Recipient) ,

    Prize: external Prizes, scholarships, distinctions, appointments › Education

  2. Leuphana Transfer Award 2023
    Gitte Köllner (Recipient) Timo Ehmke (Recipient) Dominik Leiss (Recipient) Torben Schmidt (Recipient) ,

    Prize: Leuphana internal Prize, Scholaships, distinctions, appointments › Transfer

  3. Certificate of Appreciation (Embassy of the United States, Mission to Germany, Berlin)
    Torben Schmidt (Recipient) Joannis Kaliampos (Recipient) ,

    Prize: external Prizes, scholarships, distinctions, appointments › Education

  4. Leuphana Lehrpreis
    Torben Schmidt (Recipient) ,

    Prize: Leuphana internal Prize, Scholaships, distinctions, appointments › Education

  5. Forschungspreis Best Fundraiser der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
    Torben Schmidt (Recipient) ,

    Prize: Leuphana internal Prize, Scholaships, distinctions, appointments › Research

View all prizes

Courses

*1nd Semester - AI in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching
Torben Schmidt
⌄
Das Seminar "AI in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching" richtet sich an Lehramtsstudierende im Masterstudium (Projektband) mit dem Ziel, die Potenziale und Herausforderungen der Künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) im Kontext des Fremdsprachenlernens und -unterrichtens zu erforschen. In einem projektorientierten Ansatz werden die Studierenden nicht nur theoretische Kenntnisse erwerben, sondern auch zahlreiche Anwendungsarten (von KI-gestütztem Schreiben über Chatbots bis hin zu intelligenten tutoriellen Systemen) kennen lernen und anschließend konkrete, praxisorientierte Anwendungen von KI-Technologien im Fremdsprachenunterricht entwickeln und beforschen.

Prüfungsleistung:
Forschungsbericht (80%)
mündliche Präsentation (20%)

Das Projektband streckt sich über zwei Semester.
Next appointment:
Thursday, 2026-05-14 at 14:15
Room: C 6.317 Seminarraum
Learning and Teaching Strategies
Torben Schmidt
⌄
The course will be divided into three parts: In the first part, students will be introduced to basic concepts of task-based language teaching (TBLT) in the English as a foreign language classroom. This will be followed by a critical look at a number of tasks and activities for teaching language in the framework of an EFL/ESL curriculum, including project work and computer assisted language learning. Finally, students will be asked to engage in collaborative project work, designing and presenting teaching materials including sample tasks.
Next appointment:
Tuesday, 2026-05-05 at 10:15
Room: C 1.005 Seminarraum
Planning and Evaluating Lessons - Seminar 1
Torben Schmidt
⌄
As part of the module “Teaching English as A Foreign Language II”, in this seminar you will design as well as evaluate English lessons.
Based on the theoretical knowledge and experience you have gained in the modules ”Introduction to Teaching English as a Froeign Langugage”, ”Teaching English as a Foerign Language I” as well as in literature, liguistics, area studies, pedagogy and psychology, you will analyze given lesson plans and filmed lessons and use the outcome for planning your own lessons. The texts and methods you study in the seminar “Understanding and Teaching Texts“ should be used.
Part of your exam requirements will be a presentation and a mircro-teaching. The procedure and possible topics will be discussed with the respective teachers and in class.

This is the first English seminar in your course of becoming an English teacher in which German will sometimes be the language to work in. This is mainly because we will be dealing with topics that are linked to the German way of training teachers. -
Diese deutsche Art der Lehrerausbildung beinhaltet einige Strukturen, die Sie für Ihren weiteren Weg zur Lehrkraft benötigen. Da Ihre Ausbildung und die Papiere, die Sie produzieren werden, in Deutsch angefertigt werden müssen, macht es nur Sinn, diese auch in der deutschen Sprache einzuführen und auszuprobieren.
Next appointment:
Thursday, 2026-05-07 at 16:15
Room: C 25.019 Seminarraum
Planning and Evaluating Lessons - Seminar 2
Torben Schmidt
⌄
As part of the module “Teaching English as A Foreign Language II”, in this seminar you will design as well as evaluate English lessons.
Based on the theoretical knowledge and experience you have gained in the modules ”Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Langugage”, ”Teaching English as a Foerign Language I” as well as in literature, liguistics, area studies, pedagogy and psychology, you will analyze given lesson plans and filmed lessons and use the outcome for planning your own lessons. The texts and methods you study in the seminar “Understanding and Teaching Texts“ should be used.
Part of your exam requirements will be a presentation and a mircro-teaching. The procedure and possible topics will be discussed with the respective teachers and in class.

This is the first English seminar in your course of becoming an English teacher in which German will sometimes be the language to work in. This is mainly because we will be dealing with topics that are linked to the German way of training teachers. -

Diese deutsche Art der Lehrerausbildung beinhaltet einige Strukturen, die Sie für Ihren weiteren Weg zur Lehrkraft benötigen. Da Ihre Ausbildung und die Papiere, die Sie produzieren werden, in Deutsch angefertigt werden müssen, macht es nur Sinn, diese auch in der deutschen Sprache einzuführen und auszuprobieren.
Next appointment:
Wednesday, 2026-05-06 at 08:15
Room: C 25.019 Seminarraum
Task-Based Language Learning
Torben Schmidt
⌄
The course will be divided into three parts: In the first part, students will be introduced to basic concepts of task-based language teaching (TBLT) in the English as a foreign language classroom. This will be followed by a critical look at a number of topics, including Game-Based Learning, AI and Language Learning and Teaching, Textbooks and learning materials, and the role of good explamatrions and feedback etc. In the last part we will focus on heterogeneity and inclusion in the Vocational EFL Classroom.
Next appointment:
Tuesday, 2026-05-05 at 08:15
Room: C 1.005 Seminarraum