Teaching Methods
Students from outside The Netherlands may notice a striking difference between their own educational style and the European system. The European educational system allows students much individual responsibility and initiative. Developing an independent and critical way of thinking is strongly encouraged. The study programmes at the HvA are practice-focused and tailored to students' personal needs, talents and ambitions. The student takes charge of his or her own learning. The lecturer facilitates the learning process and monitors academic progress. The HvA assists students in selecting programmes that build on previous learning; in making appropriate choices within their chosen programme; and in preparing for entry into the labour market or higher-level programmes.
An important way of learning is via work placements. All students at the HvA have a practical work period in order to get on-the-job experience in the field of their study. Such a work placement can be at a company or organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. Most of the teaching at the HvA is organised in modules, which are given in four periods of ten weeks or in two semesters.