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Alternative education has evolved in Western cultures since 1916, and its roots in the progressive education movement were initiated by individuals such as Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner and Loris Malaguzzi.
The alternative education movement gained momentum in the late 19th and even more so in the 20th century, particularly in response to the rise of mass education and the standardisation of curricula. Critics argued that traditional education systems were failing to meet the needs of children and that a more individualised approach was necessary. This led to the emergence of various alternative education models, such as Montessori, Waldorf, the Reggio Emilia approach and other homeschooling variables throughout time, that evidently could be underpinned by the three we speak about here today.
These and other alternative education models place a strong emphasis on learning from a child-led focus for nurturing the voice of the child/ren, so to develop critical thinkers, spur creativity, and encourage independent learners. Thus providing learners with the opportunity to learn at their own pace, in a supportive and nurturing environment, and often in collaboration with their fellow community. As a result, alternative education has been shown to have a positive impact on students' academic achievement, social and emotional development, and overall well-being.
In this blog we'll take a step back in time to shine the light on the three visionaries from Europe, and identify the nuances of those alternative education styles that continue to live on in homes, private organisations and mainstream centres across the world.
Lets dive in...
In the 19th century, a time of great change and innovation, alternative educational styles began to take shape. These new approaches to education were a departure from the traditional methods that had been in place for centuries. During this time, educators and philosophers started to question the one-size-fits-all model of education and sought to create new systems that would better meet the needs of individual learners from a philosophical and scientific approach.
These alternative educational styles encompassed a wide range of approaches, from progressive education, which emphasised the development of the whole child, to the Montessori method, which focused on hands-on learning and self-directed activity. Other notable alternative education styles that emerged during this period include the Waldorf approach, which stresses the importance of imagination, experiences and creativity, and the Reggio Emilia approach, which is centred on the child's natural curiosity and innate desire to learn.
Maria Montessori up first...
Maria Montessori (1870–1952)
Italian physician and educator best known for her philosophy of education and her writing on scientific pedagogy.
Montessori: Developed by Maria Montessori, this approach encourages self-directed learning through hands-on activities, multi-age classrooms, and individualized instruction.
(English)
Quote
" And so we discovered that education is not something that the teacher does, but that is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." End quote.
At the heart of the Montessori method is the belief that children are naturally curious and capable learners who can benefit from a supportive and stimulating educational environment. This approach is in contrast to traditional educational methods that often rely on strict schedules, standardised curricula, and teacher-led / teach to ... instruction. Montessori schools typically feature multi-age classrooms, where students are able to work at their own pace and choose their own activities, promoting a sense of independence and self-motivation.
One of the key principles of the Montessori method is the use of hands-on materials, which allow children to explore and learn through direct experience. These materials are designed to be self-correcting, meaning that children can figure out how to use them on their own and receive immediate feedback on their progress. This hands-on approach not only makes learning more engaging and enjoyable for children, but also helps to develop important skills such as problem-solving.
Another important aspect of the Montessori method is the emphasis on collaboration, creative and social development. Montessori schools typically have a strong community focus, with students working together in mixed-age groups and participating in regular community activities. This helps to foster a sense of belonging and connection, as well as educating children on important social skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Maria Montessori, an accomplished Italian physician and educator, made significant contributions to the development of alternative educational styles in the early 20th century. Her innovative Montessori method, which emphasises self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaboration, gained popularity around the world and continues to be widely implemented today.
Next up is Waldorf (Rudolf Steiner) for adelescents and beyond.
Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925)
Austrian social reformer, occultist and esotericist
Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner was an Austrian occultist, social reformer, architect & esotericist. Steiner gained recognition as a literary critic and published works including,
The Philosophy of Freedom.
(English)
Quote
"The smallest thing in the rightful place can lead to the highest goals." End quote.
Rudolf Steiner, Johanna Collis (2000). “Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction ; Fourteen Lectures Given in Munich Between 22 May and 6 June 1907”, p.11, Rudolf Steiner Press
Creative play, art and stories are used as tools to engage children's imaginations and stimulate their cognitive development. Through these focuses, children are encouraged to develop their creativity, language skills, memory, and thinking abilities. More over, stories, help children to develop empathy and understand for different perspectives, movement, and visual arts.
One of the defining features of Waldorf education is its emphasis to provide students with a holistic learning experience that encompassed not only academic knowledge but also social and emotional growth. Rather than relying solely on books and lectures, Waldorf education encourages children to learn through doing. This approach helps children to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and to cultivate practical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Creative play, art and stories are used as tools to engage children's imaginations and stimulate their cognitive development. Through these focuses, children are encouraged to develop their creativity, language skills, memory, and thinking abilities.
Experiential learning is a key component of Waldorf education.
For example, instead of simply learning about gardening in a textbook, Waldorf students are invited to plant and tend to a garden of their own. This hands-on experience not only helps children to understand the science of gardening, but also instils in them skills for life by learning how food is grown - enabling them to grow food for themselves to survive, in-turn produce something real in the living world.
Experiential learning equips the learner with patience, responsibility, and perseverance.
And to finish, the Reggio Emilia Approach, which is focused on life learning through exploration...
Loris Malaguzzi (1920 - 1994)
Reggio Emilia Approach: Inspired by Loris Malaguzzi, this Italian-based approach emphasizes student-led discovery, project-based learning, and the role of the environment in shaping learning experiences.
(Italian)
Quote
“We need to think of the school as a living organism. Children have to feel that the world is inside the school and moves and thinks and works and reflects on everything that goes on.
Of course not all children are the same — each child brings a part of something that’s different into the school.”
Loris Malaguzzi
Your Image of the Child
Loris Malaguzzi’s Vision
The Reggio Emilia approach emerged from the innovative ideas of Loris Malaguzzi, a young teacher in the city of Reggio Emilia after World War II. Inspired by his experiences with the schools he founded, Malaguzzi collaborated closely with local parents to establish schools that would meet the needs of young children and their families following the war's destruction. The parents and Malaguzzi recognized the critical role of early years in shaping a child's development and identity. Consequently, they emphasized the importance of creating a supportive, engaging, and enriching environment that would foster children's growth.
Loris Malaguzzi was a local teacher and became the key figure in the development of the Reggio Emilia approach. Having grown up under Fascist rule as a young child, Malaguzzi was determined to build a better future for the children and families of Reggio Emilia, who were greatly affected by the war and political leadership of their country.
Malaguzzi heard about the school built in Villa Cella, so he visited and found out more about it. He was so impressed that he stayed and helped, using his education and psychology background to develop a philosophy for the school that aligned with the people’s vision of the future.
Many other schools for young children were built following Villa Cella, all created and managed by parents. As a community-run system, they relied solely on the support of the local community for resources, food, mentors and educators. However, Malaguzzi’s efforts influenced the government to support many of these ‘people’s schools’, as well as the opening of the first municipal preschool in 1963.
The Reggio Emilia approach, developed in Italy by psychologist Loris Malaguzzi, is a child-centered educational approach that is focused on the child's natural curiosity and desire to learn. The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes the use of natural materials, open-ended activities and collaborative projects.
In conclusion, progressive education, was a movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the rigid and authoritarian methods of traditional education. Educators believed that students should be active participants in their own learning and that education should be focused on the development of the whole child, including their social, emotional, mental and physical growth. These alternative educational styles have had a lasting impact on education and continue to be popular choices for parents and educators today. They provide a valuable counterpoint to traditional education and offer a more personalized and holistic approach to learning. By embracing these alternative educational styles, we can create learning environments that are more engaging, empowering, and effective for all learners.
Leading with love,
Addy Marie, Visionary, Founder & Owner of Worldschool Tribe,
"Learn While Living, Loving the journey..." Is our -Philosophy In Action-
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The Learn While Living library is packed with content to align with the Experiential Learning process and launches 13th August 2024. Today your journey can begin... get the Annual Family FUN Pack.
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14 days of Blog Posts will continue to our launch. Enjoy!
31.07.2024 / Day 1. Blog 6. Experiential Learning
01.08.2024 / Day 2. Blog 7. The Major Benefits of Holistic Learning
02.08.2024 / Day 3. Blog 8. Active vs Passive Learning and How To Proceed To Benefit
03.08.2024 / Day 4. Blog 9. Nurturing Creativity Through Collaborative Learning
04.08.2024 / Day 5. Blog 10. Life-long Learning vs. Scheduled Learning: A Comparative Analysis of Benefits and Outcomes
05.08.2024 / Day 6. Blog 11. A Comprehensive List for Exploring the Spectrum of Alternative Educational Styles
06.08.2024 / Day 7. Blog 12. Did You Know, Alternative Educational Styles Took Shape from 1916
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