Karlijn Pieterse is a teacher at Education and Child Studies. She mainly teaches study groups on clinical education such as Conversation Techniques and Clinical Skills. Subjects in which students, for example during role plays, have to show a lot of themselves. Supervising these working groups requires a certain basic attitude.

Make contact

Pieterse: “There is one thing I am always aware of: As a teacher, I am part of the group, I'm not in front of or above it. We learn together. That already starts at the opening of class, where I try to make contact with everyone for a moment and to feel the mood.”

Fun

During class, laughter is allowed, and so is making mistakes. “During the first session I make clear: I want you to have fun learning. That creates a relaxed atmosphere where students dare to take risks and ask questions.”

Student-centered

Being in the group, and not above it, also means empathizing with what concerns students and what they are up against. Pieterse: “I try to put the students first as much as possible, not the administrative processes. I keep all practical matters as simple as possible, and keep constantly improving my course, taking into account the zeitgeist and how students like to learn.”

Make your mark!

Does all this sound soft? That's not Pieterse's intention, she says. “I am and always will ben the teacher, of course. I provide structure, ensure a clear start and conclusion of each class. And I indicate my boundaries. That too is part of the job. We teachers contribute to the formation of young people, ultimately we are part of something big. So take your chance to make a positive impact!”