Project R-1439

Welcome Class for non-native newcomers (SO): basic principles of Dutch for newcomers. (Research)

Early 90s there was a growing realization that the number of foreign language students in the primary and secondary educationn due to the stream of refugees and migration, was increasing and would not stop. Therefore, the reception classes for newcomers (OKAN-class) was established. All young people between 12 and 18 years who have recently arrived in Flanders or Brussels and choose for Dutch education, can in separate classes for one school year,so they can learn Dutch as soon as possible. The objective is to let them enter in the education and discipline that most closely matches their individual capacities. In secondary education, the reception education exists of two parts: for one thing a reception year and for another the flow to and relief in the regular education. The reception year is very much focused on the acquisition of Dutch. For this reason, excluding the teaching hours of religion or non-denominational ethics, culture and religion or cultural considerations, in general, all teaching hours are used to teach Dutch. From the 2006-2007 school year,in the context of the professionalization and the nature of the course Dutch, a new general course was created in the reception education: 'English for newcomers'.

01 December 2008 - 31 May 2009