How can I help students understand the English-taught curriculum better?

English is increasingly used in education, ranging from an occasional source in English to programmes fully taught in English. Although this accommodates international students, and could help improve the English language proficiency of students and graduates, it also poses a challenge for non-native English speakers. Since language proficiency is conditional for understanding, it is worthwhile to invest some time in preparing to teach in English effectively.

Getting started

  • Use slides and hand-outs; students recognise words
  • Provide slides and hand-outs in Dutch alongside the English versions.
  • Share your hand-outs digitally before or after your lecture so that students can use a translation ap to have the text translated into their native language.
  • Ask students to prepare in more detail; ask them to write down words they do not understand.
  • Provide a list with the most used terms, principles and words in your discipline and translate them into Dutch.
  • Advics students to use Google translate if needed (it is better than you may think). The Google translate app could be used in class for quick translations.
  • There are very good free speech-to-text aps available. Students can record a presentation and have it transferred to text so they can read back what has been said.
  • When lecturing or presenting, speak slowly and give regular summaries