Ton van Hattum,teacher of Dutch and English. Master in Biology (Human Ethology and Neurobiology).

English and dutch language courses

Classes can be individual or in small groups. They are focused on conversation so pupils can learn to communicate adequately in English or Dutch in a fast and efficient way.

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What is difficult differs from person to person. What for one person is important might not be for another person. These are reason why methods and materials are selected so each pupil can learn to communicate well and continues to improve communication capacities, within the context of what is important and interesting for that person.

Groups of more than six pupils are avoided because experience has shown that bigger groups automatically break up into subgroups. This results in the teacher needing to divide time and attention between those subgroups or spend time and energy on keeping everybody involved in one central activity.

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Will I ever manage to speak that language?

One of the biggest problems of learning a new language is feeling insecure, the fear of not being able to learn the language.

"I'll never be able to speak that language."

"I'll never learn that."

To overcome these problems several techniques are used. Learners become confident they can speak English or Dutch and start feeling they are capable of expressing themselves in that language.

Which English Should I Learn.

There are several varieties of English. It is a good idea to think about which variety is best to learn.

See the explanation on this page Qual inglês devo aprender (in Portuguese) icon exit-page link

posted: 2008-03-12

Teaching philosophy, methodology, flexibility

A good teaching philosophy values much more than any method or approach.

The best teaching is based on the philosophy that as a teacher one needs to be in continuous search of what that pupil in front of you wants and needs to learn.

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One needs to use elements from different methodologies and, if necessary, develop new material and techniques to adapt the teaching to the needs of the learner. Following these principles, Ton van Hattum achieves that his pupils efficiently learn to express themselves adequately in English and Dutch. Watched are not only aspects of language use but also, maybe at least as important cultural aspects and the impact of what is being said on the social interaction.

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