ROTTERDAM, 28 January 2025 – A new initiative aims to integrate arts and culture into Rotterdam's vocational education (mbo), fostering creativity and resilience among students. The project, a collaboration between KCR and Zadkine, focuses on research, innovation, and inclusion.
What is a practoraat?
A practoraat is a specialised programme within vocational education (mbo) in the Netherlands. It functions as a platform for research, innovation, and collaboration. Unlike traditional teaching methods, a practoraat focuses on hands-on, practice-based learning to address real-world challenges. By working with students, teachers, and external organisations, a practoraat introduces new ways of learning and teaching, tailored to the needs of students and society.
The Practoraat Kunst en Cultuur als Veranderkracht (Arts and Culture as a Force for Change) aims to embed arts and culture into vocational education. Its focus is on helping students develop personally and professionally, particularly in Rotterdam's diverse urban environment.
The practoraat: fostering creativity through arts and culture
On 23 January, Kenniscentrum Cultuuronderwijs Rotterdam (KCR) and Zadkine officially launched the Practoraat Kunst en Cultuur als Veranderkracht. This initiative is designed to integrate arts and culture into mbo education, with the goal of empowering students to grow both personally and professionally.
Over the next three years, the practoraat will explore ways to make arts and culture a central part of mbo education. Collaborative projects with teachers, students, and cultural institutions will be at the heart of these efforts, aiming to show how creativity can enrich both education and personal development.
“Arts and culture can challenge students to get fully involved and to investigate what works,” noted Clara Linders, a member of the core team. According to her, these experiences can build confidence and inspire students to take an active role in their own development.
Research findings highlight opportunities
Researcher Bas Delmee shared findings from a preliminary study, Arts and culture in vocational education, which reviewed the current state of arts and cultural education at Zadkine. The study highlights existing initiatives and identifies opportunities to integrate arts and culture more systematically into vocational training.
“This exploration reveals where we stand and how KCR can contribute by sharing knowledge and addressing needs for innovation, such as inclusion and student participation,” explained Liesbeth Levy, director of KCR and an initiator of the research.
Launch of '100 Ways of Learning'
The practoraat has already begun work on innovative projects, including “100 Ways of Learning”. This project places students’ personal knowledge and life experiences at the centre of the learning process. It shows how learning occurs in many contexts, not just in classrooms, but also at home, in sports clubs, and in social settings. Students are encouraged to share their perspectives and learn from each other’s experiences, fostering mutual understanding and growth.
“Learning has no boundaries, and everyone possesses knowledge that is valuable to others,” stated Olga Mink, the project’s Practor. She believes that arts and culture can expand students' perspectives, equipping them with tools to shape their own futures.
A collective effort
The practoraat is a joint initiative of KCR and Zadkine, with Albeda, Techniek College Rotterdam, and LKCA as partners. The programme is financially supported by Fonds 21 and the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie. Updates about the project can be followed via the KCR website or Zadkine's platform.