Vision Language Center

The vision of the Language Center solidly, clearly and systematically indicates

what the Language Center stands for (core values);
why the Language Center exists (higher purpose);
where the Language Center is going (bold goal);
in which the Language Center excels (core qualities).

The four items can be read in any order. They are, however, no isolated elements; they form a whole and connect to each other seamlessly (van der Loo, 2007). This vision not only aims to establish a clear profile of the Language Center, but also to captivate and connect our own employees. The four items are the following:

The core values formulate our basis, our view on what good language education is.
The higher purpose indicates the essence of our organization and which distinctive contribution we can make.
The bold goal is something that moves us. It is a challenging view of the future which can only be reached with great effort, but which is indeed within reach.
The core qualities indicate what we excel in; what we do well.

The Language Center’s vision is based on four elements and expounded below.

Higher purpose
The Language Center trains social-communicative skills for academics (both student and employee) functioning in an international context.

Core values
For our participants, control of the language is an instrument in communicating adequately. Therefore, communicative needs rather than knowledge about the language are the focal point of the courses. Our participants are educated and can bear a great deal of responsibility for their learning process. The seminars function as a catalyst to the learning process, which certainly takes place outside the classroom as well. The trainings we offer are flexible and varied. For different learning goals we develop different learning and support tracks: language courses, individual tracks, language tests. Language education occurs in relatively small groups (maximum of 20 participants) in order to reach qualitatively high results by means of interactive education. Cooperation between participants in executing learning tasks both during and outside the lessons is considered of great importance. ICT applications are an important aid in shaping autonomous learning. Because of this, contact hours during the lessons can be used most effectively.

Core qualities
The Language Center is a flexible, customer-oriented organization. We aim to answer all requests regarding language skills with a fitting response. The Language Center is pro-active in initiating new activities that fit the needs of the academic community. The Language Center uses existing learning tools which are supplemented with self-developed materials whenever necessary. We continuously improve our courses and trainings by conducting and implementing innovation projects. Our lessons take place in our own modern and state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms. Our lecturers have been academically trained and stay up to date on developments in their field. They are able to professionalize by means of self-reflection and feedback. Our lecturers teach in ways that stimulate active participation by students. They help the participant evaluate their own learning process and give tips and ideas to activate this process. They function as a coach who guides the learning process in a stimulating manner.

Bold goal In 2014, all Tilburg University students and employees will know the Language Center and appreciate our organization because of its high-quality language and communication training. The Language Center forms a natural partner for all organizational units within the University.

H. van der Loo, J. Geelhoed & S. Samhoud (2007), Kus de visie wakker: Organisaties energiek en effectief maken. Den Haag, SDU.