Description
The Netherlands is invariably among the high-performing nations and performs well in international examinations.
Through this course, teachers have a unique opportunity to learn about the Dutch education system extensively but are also provided with valuable insights about other high-performing northern European and Asian systems.
Through reflective and collaborative practice, participants will discover the most significant factors to lead to excellence in education within different systems.
The course will introduce a case study of the unique cultural and historical aspects that have crafted these education systems, and provide useful knowledge about the ways the variables affect the outcome of education.
Teachers will gain a solid grasp of the philosophies of the Dutch system, from its emphasis on differentiated instruction and student-centered learning to its incorporation of technology easily and attention to nurturing essential life skills.
The course will also look at other notable systems, including those in Finland, Norway, and Singapore, gaining an expanded perspective on world educational achievement and making insightful comparisons of the European and Asian systems.
Participants will explore some of the features of the Dutch model, including:
- Building a culture of lifelong learning and professional development for teachers;
- Promoting student motivation and engagement through innovative teaching approaches;
- Using technology as a tool for enhancing learning experiences;
- Developing diversity and responsiveness to diverse learning needs;
- Developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the course, teachers can practice comparative analysis and visible thinking routines, designed to enhance their understanding of multiple education philosophies and practices.
These sessions will challenge participants to consider their own learning settings and how many various principles and strategies can be transferred and used in their own environments.
At the end of this interactive course, participants will have a good understanding of the Dutch education system’s strengths, be familiar with other top-performing models from northern Europe and Singapore, and possess practical strategies to use their own classroom practice.
They will be educated to develop a learning culture that promotes excellence, innovation, and a lifelong love for learning, using successful and diverse educational practices from anywhere in the world.
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.
