Teaching Approach Language Center
Tilburg University Language Center has a functional approach to language education. For our educated course participants, language proficiency is not an aim in itself, but an instrument for adequate communication. Knowledge about the language (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) are means to acquiring the language. Participants learn to apply skills within an academic context and do so (as quickly as possible) in the target language.
Quick results
Our teaching is appealing, small-scale (groups of no more than 20 participants), intensive and activating. The plenary sessions are meant as a catalyst for a learning process that takes places mostly outside of class. Interactive workshops and efficient use of language learning software offer high-quality education and allow the student to yield quick results.
Courses
We offer flexible and varied courses with different learning and tutoring tracks for different learning goals: language courses, individual tutoring, language tests. Our course participants are educated and are able to take charge of their own learning process.
Learning goals
The Language Center uses both existing and internally developed learning goals. For many years, our education has featured models such as blended learning and flipping the classroom. ICT applications are an important means towards self-guided learning and allow for the optimum balance between independent study and contact hours. We point our students towards a number of useful and accessible ICT applications, but if necessary, we also develop our own tools, digital tests, and websites for language education (including toolboxes for all languages, diagnostic tests Dutch and English, the RefCite, and pronunciation training Eloquent for English and Dutch). These materials are meant for independent study and are made available through the Tilburg University Student Portal. The Language Center participates in innovation projects and ICT focus groups on campus, but also in national projects (such as the NAP [National Action Plan e-learning) and Intuit (English Tutoring through IT) and European educational projects.
Teacher and coach
In developing their courses, instructors choose activities that stimulate an active attitude towards learning. They help the student take charge of their own learning process and provide them with tips and ideas to activate this process. They act as a coach, stimulating the learning process.
Modern instruction rooms
The Language Center has six modern instruction rooms, optimally furnished for modern language teaching. Three rooms are furnished as computer rooms with a computer for each participant. Two of these also include software to create a digital language labs. The three other rooms have excellent audio and video facilities that allow instructors to project texts and images in class. All rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards or Smart tablets.