At Platform C we like to put our teachers in the spotlight. This time we meet Cokky, an enthusiastic teacher of our Dutch (NT2) courses. She has been teaching at Platform C since 2011.
Fun fact: in addition to her work as an NT2 teacher, Cokky also gives tours at the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam!
From primary education to NT2
Cokky began her career in primary education and worked for ten years in the Netherlands at various schools and a few years in Zimbabwe. There she discovered her love for other cultures and the connecting power of language.
"Back in Holland in 1995, I heard about the large influx of refugees and felt it was important to offer them a chance to build a new life here."
Cokky then started teaching Dutch classes in addition to her work in primary education. She later specialized fully in NT2 education and found her place at Platform C in 2011.
This is what an NT2 class looks like
In NT2 classes, Dutch is spoken as much as possible. Cokky uses practical examples and physical explanations to make the language understandable, such as: "Just open the door," "Good morning!" or "Hang your coat on the coat rack," using hands and feet to make clear what she is saying.
A lesson always begins in class, followed by assignments in small groups. Cokky walks around, takes notes and responds to what she hears and sees. Sometimes students have a particular subject they would like to learn more about; there is room for that too.
In addition to the regular courses, there are also special speaking courses at A2, B1 and C1 levels. Cokky explains that this course is optional and is ideal for students who could use an extra boost when it comes to speaking.
Proud of my students
What really excites Cokky is when students tell her that they dare to speak Dutch independently in everyday life.
For example, she says that a student recently told her very enthusiastically that her family was visiting and that she had ordered in a restaurant for the first time herself. She also tells about a group of students who went for a drink together every week at Café Veenstra to talk Dutch. The employees were so impressed that they offered the group a round of drinks! Moments like that make her work extra valuable.
Cokky's tips for practicing outside of class
- Find practicality: go to the market and have a chat
- Connect with your neighbors
- Watch Dutch TV, listen to podcasts or radio
- Use Duolingo as support
- Join the pub quiz for Internationals organized from Platform C from time to time
Are you curious about the NT2 courses at Platform C? Stop by for a intake and find out how you can improve your Dutch! If you are a beginner without any experience, you don't need to do an intake; you can just enroll in the A0 beginner course.
