Prof. Dr. Sonja Perren

Education and academic qualifications

2006 Habilitation at the Faculty of Arts, University of Zürich (Venia legendi in Psychology)

2003 - 2005 „Teaching Skills“ Certificate (Teaching programme of the University Teaching and Learning Center, University of Zürich)

1997 - 2000 Doctoral studies at the University of Berne (Doctorate; July 2000) ,

Dissertation: Kindergarten Children Involved in Bullying: Social Behavior, Peer Relationships and Social Status

1992 - 1997 (Under)graduate studies at the University of Berne (Licentate in Psychology, February 1997): Subjects: Child and Adolescent Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology, Educational Psychology

1984 - 1989 Primary school teacher seminar in Brig (Pädagogisches Reifezeugnis, 1989)

Professional activities

ab Okt. 2012 Full Professor (W3) on Development and Education in Early Childhood, University of Konstanz (Germany) and Thurgau University of Teacher

ab Sept. 2011 Lecturer at the Swiss Distance University (Bachelor in Psychology)

2005-2012 Assistant Professor for Youth Development, Faculty of Arts, University of Zürich, Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development

1999 - 2005 Senior research scientist and lecturer at different institutions

• Department of Psychology, University of Zürich
• Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Basel 
• Center for Geronotology, University of Zürich University Institute Kurt Bösch, Sion

1997 - 1999 Doctoral research assistant, Department of Psychology, University of Berne

1989 - 1995 Teaching at primary school level (thereof 3 years full-time) Oberassistentin bzw. wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an folgenden Institutionen:

- Psychologisches Institut der Universität Zürich, Lehrstuhl Sozial- und Gesundheitspsychologie

- Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischen Universitätsklinik und –Poliklinik (KJUP), Universität Basel

- Zentrum für Gerontologie, Universität Zürich

- Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch, Sion (VS)

1997 - 1999 Doktorandin am Institut für Psychologie, Universität Bern, Lehrstuhl Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie

1989 - 1995 Lehrtätigkeit auf Primarschulstufe (davon 3 Jahre Vollzeit)

• Peer relationships, social-emotional competence and well-being
• Early childhood education and care (caregiver-child interaction quality)
• Early prevention
• Social development across the life span

The courses are primarily open to students of the Master's program in early childhood (MA Frühe Kindheit). Selected courses are also open to other students at the University of Konstanz and PHTG on request.
 

Courses:

• Research methods
• Diagnostic approaches in psychology and education
• Early prevention: Practical approaches and their evidence base
• Early education and care
• Research seminars for master and doctoral students