spreekmoment

Spreekmoment is a designated time slot during which a teacher, lecturer, mentor, or professional makes themselves available to meet one-on-one with students, colleagues, or clients to discuss questions, feedback, progress, or advice. In Dutch educational contexts it is comparable to “office hours” in English.

In schools and universities, spreekmomenten are usually announced in the course outline or programme schedule. They can be scheduled regularly (for example weekly) or by appointment, and may be offered as short periods (often 5–15 minutes per student) or longer sessions for small groups. Sign-up may occur via digital calendars, a note on a classroom door, or a sign-up sheet.

During a spreekmoment, the topic is often prepared in advance and limited to the stated purpose, such as feedback on an assignment, clarification of a lecture, or guidance on study planning. In professional contexts, confidentiality and adherence to professional boundaries are important considerations.

Accessibility and inclusivity: organizers should strive to accommodate all participants, including those with disabilities or scheduling conflicts, by offering multiple slots or alternative communication channels (email, virtual meetings).

Relation to other concepts: spreekmoment is the equivalent of office hours, consultation hours, or tutoring periods in many institutions; it is part of broader student support or client-facing services.

Benefits and limitations: it fosters personalized feedback and stronger mentorship, but can create bottlenecks if slots are insufficient. Clear rules and fair access policies help mitigate potential downsides.