Description
In the global educational landscape, the Netherlands consistently stands out as a top-performing country, excelling in international assessments.
This course offers educators a unique opportunity to explore the Dutch education system in depth, while also gaining valuable insights into other successful models from northern Europe and Asia.
Through a collaborative and reflective approach, participants will embark on a journey to uncover the key elements that contribute to educational excellence across different systems.
The course will introduce participants to the unique cultural contexts and historical backgrounds that have shaped these education systems, providing valuable insights into how various factors influence educational outcomes.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Dutch system’s principles, from its emphasis on student-centered learning and personalized instruction to its seamless integration of technology and focus on developing essential life skills.
The course will also explore other notable systems, including those of Finland, Norway, and Singapore, fostering a broader perspective on global educational excellence and offering valuable comparisons between European and Asian approaches.
Guided by the trainer’s expertise and drawing inspiration from other exemplary educational models worldwide, participants will explore various aspects of the Dutch approach, including:
- Fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development for educators;
- Nurturing student motivation and engagement through innovative teaching methodologies;
- Embracing technology as a tool for enhancing learning experiences;
- Promoting inclusivity and catering to diverse learning needs;
- Cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to engage in comparative analysis and visible thinking routines, designed to deepen their understanding of different educational philosophies and practices.
These interactive sessions will encourage participants to reflect on their own educational contexts and consider how various principles and strategies can be adapted and implemented in their respective settings.
By the end of this immersive experience, participants will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the Dutch education system’s strengths, insights into other successful models from northern Europe and Singapore, and a wealth of practical strategies to enhance their own teaching practices.
They will be equipped to foster a learning environment that promotes excellence, innovation, and a lifelong love for learning, inspired by diverse and successful approaches to education from around the world.
Upcoming sessions
Location | Dates | Status | Enrol |
---|---|---|---|
Amsterdam | 7-12 Apr 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 3-8 Mar 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 5-10 May 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 2-7 Jun 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 7-12 Jul 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 4-9 Aug 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 1-6 Sep 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 6-11 Oct 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 3-8 Nov 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 1-6 Dec 2025 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 5-10 Jan 2026 | Book » | |
Amsterdam | 2-7 Feb 2026 | Book » |
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to:
- Analyze the cultural context and historical influences shaping the Dutch education system’s success;
- Compare and contrast key educational principles across northern European systems, with a focus on the Netherlands;
- Examine Dutch and northern European approaches to student-centered learning, personalization, technology integration, and life skills development;
- Assess strategies for fostering educator lifelong learning and professional growth across different systems;
- Understand innovative teaching methods nurturing student motivation, engagement, and inclusivity for diverse needs in the Dutch and other northern European contexts;
- Explore approaches to cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, designing relevant activities inspired by multiple successful systems;
- Develop action plans for implementing best practices from Dutch and northern European education systems in their own contexts.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools;
- Overview of the Dutch history, culture, and education system.
Day 2 – Northern European education systems vs The Netherlands
- Brief introduction to two northern European education systems (Finland and Norway) in contract with The Netherlands;
- Comparing and contrasting with participants’ own educational systems;
- A visit to a vocational school;
- Activity of the day: live interview with a former Dutch student.
Day 3 – Comparison of Two Leading Educational Systems
- Educational Philosophy in Singapore and the Netherlands
- Comparing and contrasting with participants’ own educational systems
- Activity of the day: live interview with a school principal
Day 4 – Inclusion in the Dutch classroom
- Strategies for promoting equity and catering to diverse learners;
- Comparing inclusive approaches to participants’ own contexts;
- A visit to an elementary public school;
- Activity of the day: a live interview with a parent’s perspectives regarding inclusion.
Day 5 – Reforming education?
- Reforming education?;
- Recap of the week’s learnings;
- Envisioning educational reforms inspired by the Dutch system;
- Thinking Routines. The thinking toolbox of the day: What Makes You Say That? and Connect, Extend, Challenge;
- Group work: Identifying areas for potential reforms.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.