Proud to be tvmbo - Kortlopend Onderwijsonderzoek

thoroughly that students have understood by asking them quick check questions, for
example, ‘What do you have to do?’. Furthermore, repeating and recycling material in
different different ways is important. One teacher, for examplare example, revised revised a topic by asking stustudents to find words starting with each letter of the alphabet, from a to z, related to the
unit just covered. Another mentioned an activity where each student labelled a piece of
furniture in the room with a sticky label. Another idea came from a three hour drama
lesson, where the teachers and pupils stuck to speaking English for the first hour and
then were allowed to use Dutch. Giving this time limit worked.
Teachers also mentioned that their own enthusiasm, positive attitude and humour are
important, and that lots of compliments for students help when they do something
well. Allowing students to make mistakes is also important: students should be able to
experiment with the language they are learning. They should not be punished for making
mistakes: they should be seen as a part of learning. Students can also learn to
compliment and give feedback to each other and to help each other. All of this creates
a positive learning atmosphere. “They are better than they think they are,” said one
teacher, and another, “It’s all atmosphere and enthusiasm and being positive”.
Dealing with diversity
Some teachers mentioned that they try to design their lessons around a variety of learning
styles in order to deal with diversity. They are aware that students learn differently
and therefore aim to help students with all learning styles. Examples mentioned were
using visuals such as cards, walking around the classroom while doing physical activities
and working in groups.
Use of English
Some teachers believe that using (nearly) 100% English is best for tvmbo students.
Others say that they use as much as only 25% in the first year when students begin.
Teacher’s opinions are, thus, inconclusive here. This contradicts their students’ wishes
(see later in this chapter): they want their teachers to use (nearly) 100% English!
5.2.4 Why do students choose tvmbo?
Why do students choose to enter a tvmbo stream? As mentioned already, all of the
students at two of our partner schools are in the bilingual stream, so only have the
choice when they enter the school.
Teachers’ and coordinators’ opinions about the choice for tvmbo are varied. Some say
that students choose the school, or an interesting department, rather than a bilingual
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