For even more and always up-to-date information, feel free to visit the Voice Screening Moodle Learning Room every now and then, which you will be added to relatively soon after you register for the Voice Screening Module exam performance.
Voice Screening
The Voice...
...is one of the most important working tools of teachers. The vocal requirements in everyday school life are enormous: Since the noise level in school - whether in classroom, on schoolyard or in the gymnasium - can be constantly high, the strain on the voice increases. The voice must be permanently resilient, operational and flexible. Being sensitized to the performance of one's own voice is therefore an important basis for every (future) teacher. Starting in the winter semester 2020/2021, voice screenings and voice workshops will be offered on a mandatory basis at the ISK of the RWTH for teacher trainees. This measure represents a special feature of teacher training in Aachen: For a resilient and persistent voice function, it is important to have one's own voice professionally assessed already during studies, and, if necessary, to learn the basics of voice training and speech training and to practice them in practice.
What does this mean in detail?
I arrange an individual appointment for an initial computer-assisted voice screening. This is followed, if necessary, by an individual optimization of voice and speech skills. This involves practical workshops in groups of varying sizes for student teachers from all disciplines to practice vocal hygiene, vocal prophylaxis and articulation training and/or oral presentation skills.
Current Informations
Voice Screening During the Pandemic
Registration for the voice screenings has been possible again since the beginning of September 2021.
We hope that the pandemic-related restrictions will allow us to hold the screening appointments in the long term. All further information about the conditions and registration can be found in the Moodle learning room, to which you will be added realtively soon after your registration for the examination performance in RWTHonline.
If you have already taken a voice screening in previous semesters, we can probably give you credit for it. Again, you can contact us directly via mail.
FAQ Voice Screening at RWTH Aachen University
Why do I need to attend the voice screening?
Your voice is one of the most important working tools in your future teaching profession.
The vocal demands of everyday school life are enormous. Your voice must be permanently resilient, operational and flexible.
For a resilient and enduring voice function, it is important to have your own voice professionally assessed during your studies. So that you have the chance to learn the basics of voice and speech training, if necessary, and to practice them before going into the professional world and being exposed to continuous vocal stress.
In which semester do I have to absolve the screening?
One of the requirements for admission to the master's thesis is the completion of the module "Voice Screening". This means that it is intended to attend out the screening in the master's program. However, we recommend not to attend the first voice screening too late within your studies, so that there is enough time for workshops and further comparative screenings, if necessary.
How can I sign up for a voice screening?
You first register for the screening via RWTHonline by registering for the examination performance there. This means that there is no classical registration procedure, but only a registration for the examination performance.
You will then be added to the Moodle learning room relatively promptly. There you can register for a screening date that suits you.
How long does a voice screening take?
You should allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes for the screening.
Where does voice screening take place?
Voice screenings are usually held in the Kármángebäude, Eilfschornsteinstraße 15 (Germanistisches Institut), room 112.
Can I get credit for voice screening from past semesters?
Yes, you can.
Please contact us by mail: stimmscreening@isk.rwth-aachen.de
What do I have to bring along to the screening?
Before you attend the voice screening with us, you will need to complete a self-assessment questionnaire. You will receive a link to this questionnaire with the confirmation e-mail of your registration. At the end of the questionnaire, you will receive feedback as a document. Please bring this document with you to the screening appointment.
What is being done during voice screening?
During voice screening, a voice log is created using special software so that we can not only hear but also see what you are doing vocally. We then analyze and discuss the significance of the results right on the spot.
Take a look at our information page under Voice in the Media. There you will get impressions about the process of our voice screening.
What happens after voice screening?
Immediately after the screening, we evaluate your voice protocol together in a discussion. In addition, you will receive the so-called DSI value (Dysphonia Severity Index value). If this value is below 5.0, participation in a voice prophylactic practice seminar on "Breathing and Voice" is mandatory for admission to the master's thesis. Of course, you can also train your voice voluntarily within a practice seminar.
Do I need to attend a workshop on voice?
If your DSI value (Dysphonia Severity Index value) is below 5.0 at the end of the voice screening, participation in a voice prophylactic practice seminar on "Breath and Voice" is mandatory for admission to the master's thesis. Of course, you can also train your voice voluntarily within a practice seminar.
How can I participate in a workshop on voice?
The practice seminars and workshops are offered at regular intervals during the current semester and during the lecture-free period. At your voice screening appointment, you will be informed about current dates and registration modalities.
How often do I have to or can I take the voice screening?
You must complete the voice screening at least once. If your DSI score is below 5.0 at the end, you will participate in a practice seminar / workshop on "Breath and Voice". After this seminar, we will conduct a second voice screening for comparison.
However, you are welcome to have your vote checked voluntarily at any time.
Are there other offerings beyond voice screening that address voice health for student teachers?
First of all, the focus is on voice screenings as well as basic exercise seminars and workshops on "breath and voice". In addition to that, it is possible to make individual appointments with us, e.g. for a voice stress test. It is also planned to offer advanced workshops on special topics for the voice health of student teachers. We will then talk about possible further offers during the voice screening and the analysis of your results.
What happens after the 2nd voice screening if I do not achieve the DSI class of 5?
If your DSI (Dysphonia Severity Index) score is below 5.0 at the end of the 2nd voice screening, you will still be considered to have passed the "Voice Screening" module. You are then welcome to continue working with us on your voice on a voluntary basis.
What does Dysphonia Severity Index mean?
The Dysphonia Serverity Index indicates your voice quality. This value is calculated based on your maximum phonation duration, your highest produced frequency, and your lowest tone intensity, among other factors.
Can I participate in the voice screening even though I may have a (mild) cold?
We recommend attending the voice screening as symptom-free as possible.
How is the notification of the successful completion of the module "Stimmsreening/Workshop" to the ZPA organized? Do I have to inform the ZPA that I have successfully completed the module?
We forward the successful completion of the module to the ZPA collectively at the end of the semester.
The Voice Screening module may be advanced even without achieving the 120 CP.