leerwerk

Leerwerk is a term used in Dutch-language education to describe learning tasks or practice assignments that students complete to reinforce content introduced during instruction. The word is a compound of leer (to learn) and werk (work). In schools and vocational training, leerwerk is designed to be undertaken under supervision or independently and is commonly integrated into daily routines and curriculum cycles.

Purpose and formats of leerwerk include consolidating skills, checking understanding, and preparing for assessments. Typical formats are worksheets, workbook exercises, practical projects, reading tasks, and digital assignments. Leerwerk can be self-contained or linked to a larger leerlijn (learning pathway) or to specific leerdoelen (learning objectives). The approach emphasizes practice and feedback, often enabling teachers to monitor progress between lessons.

Relation to other educational terms: leerwerk is distinct from lesstof (the material taught) and huiswerk (homework), though overlaps can occur. In practice, leerwerk often fills the gap between direct instruction and formal assessment, providing opportunities for reinforcement and formative feedback.

Regional usage and scope: the term is common in the Netherlands and in Dutch-language education in Belgium (Flanders). It is used across educational levels, including primary, secondary, and vocational education, to describe the practice components that accompany instruction and support student learning.

See also: leerlijn, leerplan, leerdoelen.