Nederlands
EnglishNederlands in gang revised: more speaking, pronunciation and grammar in practice
Revised based on classroom experience
The main inspiration for the revision came from everyday classroom practice. Over the years, the authors noticed that certain parts of the method had become outdated. Learners and teachers also expressed a need for more speaking activities, more online practice material and more detailed grammar explanations.
These experiences have been incorporated into the new edition. As a result, Nederlands in gang has not only been updated, but also better reflects what teachers and learners need in practice.
The new edition was not created behind a desk. Our experiences in the classroom were our starting point.
New themes from everyday life
The new edition includes three new themes: ‘In a hotel’, ‘In a cultural centre’ and ‘At work’. The topics were selected following a survey among teachers.
When choosing the new themes, recognisable situations were key. Hotels, cultural centres and workplaces are places and situations that many learners encounter in their everyday lives. This means they can actually use outside the classroom what they learn during their lessons.
Even more speaking and active learning
Speaking and active learning have always been important principles of Nederlands in gang. The new edition places even greater emphasis on them. Each chapter includes more speaking activities, and the grammar exercises have been made as communicative as possible.
As a result, learners do not simply practise words and rules. They immediately apply them in realistic situations and through interaction with others. This gives them plenty of opportunities to actively use Dutch.
There should be as much interaction as possible in the classroom. Ultimately, you learn a language by using it together.
A focus on pronunciation from the start
Pronunciation has been given a more prominent place in the revised edition. For beginning Dutch language learners in particular, the authors believe it is important to work on pronunciation step by step from the very beginning. This allows learners to practise sounds correctly straight away and develop a feel for stress, rhythm and intonation.
Pronunciation is therefore introduced early in every chapter. Learners can immediately apply what they have learned to other activities. Rather than being a separate part of the lesson, pronunciation is integrated throughout the learning process. The aim is for learners at A2 level not only to know the right words and sentences, but also to make themselves clearly understood.
Grammar to support communication
The grammar explanations and exercises have also been revised. In Nederlands in gang, grammar is not a goal in itself, but it can provide learners with useful support when building correct sentences.
The exercises therefore progress from structured to increasingly open activities. Learners first have the opportunity to understand and practise a grammatical structure. Ultimately, the aim is for them to use that structure independently when speaking.
The new edition also includes grammar videos using vocabulary from the book. Learners can watch these independently before or after class, leaving more lesson time for what really matters: communicating and practising together.
New pronunciation, grammar and speaking activities
When asked to name their favourite updates, the authors highlight three elements. First, the new focus on pronunciation, which is integrated into the rest of the method from the very first level. They also highlight the revised approach to grammar and the accompanying videos.
In addition, many new speaking activities have been added, including final activities at the end of each chapter. These encourage learners to communicate with each other frequently and with a clear purpose. The often playful final activity also provides an active and enjoyable way to round off each chapter.
A method rooted in Dutch language teaching practice
According to the authors, an important part of the strength of Nederlands in gang lies in its practical approach. The method is written by experienced Dutch language teachers, and the materials are actually tested in the classroom. Fellow teachers also review the materials and provide feedback.
Realistic dialogues, recognisable situations and practical activities also play an important role. Learners develop Dutch language skills that they can use in their everyday lives. Enjoyment is an important part of the learning process too. As the authors point out, enjoying the learning process is an important condition for successful learning.
Part of the Nederlands series
Nederlands in gang is part of the Nederlands series. This communicative Dutch language learning pathway focuses on the Dutch that international students and professionals need in everyday life. All language skills are covered, with additional attention to pronunciation and vocabulary. Its clear structure, recognisable topics and active learning activities encourage learners to use Dutch frequently and directly.
View Nederlands in gang:
The Nederlands Series
Nederlands in gang, together with Nederlands in actie, Nederlands op niveau, Nederlands naar perfectie en Nederlands naar de top forms the successful communicative NT2 curriculum that leads to CEFR level C1+. The focus is on language use in the daily lives of highly educated students or working adults. This learning pathway is characterised by its clear structure, engaging topics, varied assignments and stimulating teaching methods.
Explore all titles in the Nederlands series:
Nederlands op niveau
Nederlands in actie
Nederlands naar de top
Over de auteurs
Berna de Boer, Margaret van der Kamp en Simone Pentermann zijn docenten NT2 bij het Talencentrum van de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. Berna en Margaret schreven eerder onder meer mee aan In de startblokken, Nederlands in actie, Nederlands op niveau en De spijker op de kop. Simone Pentermann schreef eerder mee met Nederlands in actie.