Jan-Wolter Smit
Pop History Teacher | Expert in Educational Innovation | Teacher Trainer
Jan-Wolter Smit works as a Pop History teacher, expert in educational innovation and teacher trainer at the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede. In addition, he is Head of Education at LessonUp. According to 3FM, the pop music radio station, he is the most popular history teacher in the Netherlands! So, how does he like working at ArtEZ?
Everything begins with my role as a teacher
At ArtEZ, students, lecturers, researchers and support staff work on what they believe in with heart and soul: art and art education. And with my passion for music, history and being a lecturer, I fit in perfectly. So when the opportunity to teach at ArtEZ came my way, right away I felt my answer had to be 'yes'. Discussing pop history, engaging with future teachers and getting them excited about the subject matter, while also allowing room for my work at LessonUp, all work together to create the perfect role for me.
Back to school
In 2019, I stopped teaching in secondary education as LessonUp’s growth started to require more and more attention. Within LessonUp, I – along with 45 colleagues and counting – help lecturers create the most engaging, enjoyable and effective learning opportunities. It’s great fun! The only thing was, I missed the connection with students. I always said no when I was asked to teach history again though... until I was asked to come and teach pop history classes at ArtEZ. I couldn't turn that down! Now I combine teaching and working in business, which I really like.
'I'm showing students and colleagues how they can use Chat GPT for inspiration.'
The lecturer becomes the learner
The ArtEZ community is quite diverse and colourful. Students can really be themselves here, which is important since they have to give many presentations. This is only possible if they feel comfortable showing who they are. What impresses me is that my students are so much more capable than I am. I learn so much from them. Some simply surpass me, for example, in knowledge or playing a musical instrument. What I do is help by asking them good questions, giving compliments, encouraging them and listening when necessary. If they have a setback, I take the time to examine it with them together, and explore how they feel about it and what they need to move forward again. Those conversations take time, but I think they are extremely important, and the students appreciate it.
'As an entrepreneur, I missed the connection with students'
Teacher and entrepreneur
Officially, I work for ArtEZ on Fridays and the other days for LessonUp, but these two roles often end up overlapping in content. That isn’t a bad thing, because the resulting cross-pollination is often very useful. As an example, I advise on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education at ArtEZ, as I have gained a lot of experience with this from LessonUp. Students and lecturers currently tend to get stuck on the question of: ‘Is it okay to use AI?' I show them how they can use ChatGPT for inspiration, for example, when coming up with practical assignments. The other day, I asked ChatGPT to develop 20 assignments. Fifteen of them were unusable; five were good. As a result, I had five assignments my students could choose from. By discussing these kinds of things, I want to give my students the confidence and space to work with AI, both as current students and future teachers. I want them to think back on their education here and think of what a playground it was.
'What strikes me is that my students are so much more capable than I am.'
Enthusiasm, experience and expertise
I never could have prepared for my teaching position at ArtEZ by studying something specific. I feel comfortable in my teaching ability thanks to a combination of my enthusiasm, experience and the expertise I have accumulated. In my previous teaching positions, I missed being able to develop my own teaching materials. At ArtEZ, you can; I develop my own lesson materials, therefore establishing the lesson structure and learning context myself. In my view, that makes you more competent as a teacher. In everything I do, I am constantly aware that my role as a teacher is so important. Everything starts with your outlook; as the teacher, you can make or break a class. That outlook is what I try to impart onto my students.
'I develop my own teaching materials, establishing the learning context myself.'
Taking a step back
I also need the space I get at ArtEZ myself to be able to express my enthusiasm. I often hear from others that I am so enthusiastic, and well... that's me! I’m enthusiastic about the content I teach, but also about the concept of teaching and what it can mean. Of course, I also have my blind spots. My enthusiasm can easily lead me to bite off too much. I sometimes get ahead of myself, so I have to take a step back. Fortunately, our team is a fine selection of people who focus on theory and practice, and that keeps everyone in balance. What I enjoy is that everyone at ArtEZ is really engaged with the students. Among my colleagues, I see the same passion and commitment that I feel myself. It’s motivating, and great to see.
Will you join us?
Can you identify yourself with the art education as valued by ArtEZ? If so, come and join our teams of support staff, academic staff or researchers.
Please find our current vacancies on this page.
