Ondergeleiding

Ondergeleiding is a term used in Dutch professional practice to describe a structured form of learning and work activity in which a learner, client, or junior practitioner performs tasks under the direct guidance and oversight of an experienced professional. The emphasis lies on active participation combined with feedback, gradually increasing responsibility as competence develops.

In practice, ondergeleiding involves a formal arrangement with clear learning objectives, an agreed duration, regular supervision meetings, and documentation of progress. A supervisor demonstrates tasks, observes performance, provides feedback, and ensures safety and ethical standards are maintained. The approach distinguishes guided practice from independent work and from passive instruction.

Common contexts include education and teacher training, healthcare and clinical internships, social work and youth care, rehabilitation programs, and certain professional crafts or trades where apprenticeship models are used. It is also employed in therapeutic or coaching settings, where a client follows activities under professional guidance to develop skills or coping strategies.

Advantages include enhanced safety, structured skill development, accountability, and the potential for higher quality outcomes. Challenges include the demand on supervisors’ time and resources, the risk of dependency, variability in supervision quality, and possible bottlenecks in training capacity.

Related terms are mentoring, supervision, apprenticeship, and escorted practice. The concept is often governed by institutional policies that specify roles, responsibilities, and evaluation criteria to ensure consistency and safety.