About
Ron is an educator at UCLL teaching in the Teacher Training in Higher Education program with 8-9 years of teaching experience. He is simultaneously completing a Master's degree in Art Education at Tilburg University while pursuing personal interests in music production and home renovation.
His educational philosophy centers around Gert Biesta's concept of education serving 'becoming human' through engagement with humanities and arts. Ron passionately argues against society's overemphasis on measurable outcomes and economic value, advocating instead for the intrinsic value of creative disciplines. He views boredom as a crucial catalyst for creativity and laments how modern society treats it as 'a sin.'
Ron's teaching approach emphasizes authentic engagement over rote learning. He developed a notable lesson methodology around Bon Iver's 'Creeks' that demonstrated the difference between merely hearing and truly listening to music, helping students experience genuine amazement and connection with artistic works.
Ron rejects the notion that teaching should define one's entire identity, stating 'I am Ron, as a whole. That's my identity. And only part of it is a teacher of that.' He criticizes the 'huge control society' in education that prioritizes checking material coverage over fostering genuine curiosity and critical thinking.
His most powerful teaching moments occur when he 'steps off pre-conceived paths' with spontaneity, believing that authentic teaching requires passion and deep subject knowledge that goes beyond prepared lesson plans. Ron draws inspiration from thinkers like Lieven Scheire and educational concepts like Biesta's 'educational gesture,' which involves sharing what one genuinely finds valuable with students.
