In Pre-School Education; Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and Montessori Education System
Towards the end of the 19th century, in the preschool education system, teacher-centered traditional education methods were replaced by individual, innovative, creative and discovery-based education methods in which students were at the forefront. In these methods based on the joint cooperation of the family, the child and the school, a rich environment is created for the child and controlled independence is given to the child, and the child is provided to discover and recognize himself.
In pre-school education classes that adopt the innovative system, a rich environment is created such as a table, chair, library, reading area, suitable for the physical development of the students and where they can do group work. There are schools that adopt and implement these innovative education methods in different countries of the world, and there are still those who advocate traditional education methods.
You can read the rest of the article to get to know the innovative education approaches and learn the differences between them.
What is Reggio Emilia Education System?
The Reggio Emilia education system is a method developed to reform the preschool education system in Italy after the end of World War II. This system was developed by Lous Malaguzzi. While developing this educational method, Malaguzzi was influenced by psychologists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, who advocated cognitive development and social-constructivist theories in developmental and educational psychology.
In the Reggio Emilia method, children are accepted as leaders, and they are supported by creating a suitable environment for them to discover their innate talents by focusing on what they can do rather than what they cannot do. The aim of the Reggio Emilia education system is to help the child overcome the problems that he may encounter in the process of self-discovery and revealing himself as an individual, by removing the 'wall' that hinders the development of the child who receives pre-school education during the growth period, that is, traditional strict education methods and outdated concepts.
In the Reggio Emilia system, the trainer enables the child to create self-confidence and excitement with activities that will arouse his curiosity and interest for his development. In this process, it closely monitors the individual development of the child and prepares a separate development file for each child.
What is the Waldorf Approach?
The Waldorf Education System is an approach shaped by the philosophy of 'anthroposophy', that is, human wisdom, founded by Rudolf Steiner at the beginning of the 20th century. Steiner explains the purpose of the Waldorf method he developed by saying, "Waldorf education is not a pedagogical system, it is an art - it is the art of awakening what is really in the person."
According to Steiner, man consists of body, spirit and spirit. The body includes the limbs, such as arms and legs, that enable the actions that a person intends to perform. Spirit is the head area where mental thoughts are produced. Spirit, on the other hand, refers to the heart region where feelings and emotions are present and revealed. All these must be developed to enable man to establish a correct and trusting connection with the world.
The Waldorf approach respects the developmental process of each child, and aims to support each other by working collaboratively, without aiming to compete according to their individual readiness. In addition, folk tales, fables, legends and fairy tales enable children to develop their imaginations by learning about the existence of different cultures.
In short, Waldorf education aims to integrate the arts with the academic development of individuals, and to have them assimilate knowledge, creative, intellectual and moral values.
What is Montessori Education?
Montessori Education was developed in the 19th century by Italy's first female doctor, Maria Montessori. Montessori's interest in child development and her success in working with children with disabilities enabled her to develop an innovative and individual learning-centered education. According to the Montessori approach, the child is naturally intelligent and has a certain intelligence. He is also an individual to be respected. Instead of rebuilding it, it should be helped to form and its development should be supported.
By integrating specially designed materials and educational program, children learn on their own, according to their individual developmental pace, thanks to their own inner motivation. Thus, they grow up to be self-confident, free and independent individuals.
In the Montessori approach, the trainer is the facilitator of education, guiding the child in the learning process by giving the appropriate activity on time. At the same time, the instructor is a good observer, keeping track of the student's developmental stage.
Books and Montessori toys in Montessori classrooms consist of carefully selected natural materials. They are quiet yet engaging, which keeps the student focused. School and family are considered as a whole. Families of children studying in Montessori schools are also given information and training about Montessori Education, and joint action is taken.
Montessori Education, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia Education System Comparisons
Preschool education program is teacher-centered and based on academic knowledge compared to traditional teaching methods. However, since the end of the 19th century, new educational methods have been adopted in line with the studies and approaches of scientists in the field of psychology.
Maria Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia are continuing education approaches that have developed from past to present in many countries of the world. The common point of these education methods is that they see the child as an individual to be respected. Therefore, they advocate student-centered education.
According to Reggio Emilia: The child is a leader and collaborator. The teacher guides by observing him. The environment is the third teacher of the child. Integrity is ensured by sharing education in the family.
There are also certain principles in Montessori Education. Respect for the child is at the forefront. By creating a rich environment, it is aimed for the child to learn by himself. Because the child's mind is shaped by absorbing information from the environment.
The Waldorf approach also provides equal opportunity for every child. It aims to make them act in cooperation rather than competing with them. A teacher is a role model in education, as children learn by imitating what they see around them. Academic education is delivered through arts events. Waldorf education is given in schools in different countries of the world, as well as in pre-school education support centers such as churches and foundations. It provides moral development and perspective to different cultures in children.
In this context, all methods advocating the innovative education system aim at raising self-confident, innovative individuals who are interested in development and learning in accordance with the needs of the age. You can reach quality, natural, mental and motor skills of your children from birth through Oscar education.