The Philosophy Of Reggio Emilia Schools In Mclean VA

By Lila Bryant

At the heart of a successful approach to education is the belief that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. They are not just empty slates, waiting to be filled with facts and figures. This approach enables them to become thriving citizens with responsibility, respect and a sense of community. Reggio Emilia Schools in Mclean VA are benefiting from over forty years of experience gained in schools in Italy practicing this approach.

The curriculum used is flexible and is often based on ideas and thoughts that originate with the students. This is far removed from following a rigid curriculum that may not have changed for many years. Teachers can come up with fresh, creative ways to encourage learning by carefully observing and listening to their students. Problem solving, discovery and creativity is stimulated and often continues for a lifetime.

Learning is seen as a journey and the children are allowed to help direct the pace. They can move more quickly through some areas and take more time when they need it. Children determine when they are ready to move on instead of having this decided by a teacher who may be unaware of a gap in understanding.

The teachers in a school like this have a very different role. They are not authoritarian figures but function rather as guides and help to nurture the students. Loris Malaguzzi, an Italian teacher, decided that a different approach to learning was needed. He inspired centers in Italy to follow this approach. Teachers listened carefully to their students, observed them closely and facilitated their learning journey. They were helped to explore, solve problems for themselves and make their own discoveries.

In a school based on this approach, children are encouraged to use all of their senses to experience the world around them, instead of just sitting still and listening. This method means they are more likely to remember and apply these skills when encountering problems in later life. Communication, creativity and symbolic skills are developed by means of movement, painting, drawing, shadow play, music. Materials and language are used to make their thinking visible.

Children are not just taught surface knowledge as is the case in so many schools. The knowledge they absorb is on a much more meaningful level. They learn how connect ideas, solve problems and develop insights. They also absorb values like respect for others and responsibility for their actions.

Parents are regarded as an important part of the process of learning. They are intimately involved and teachers and parents exchange ideas. Documentation in the form of photographs and transcriptions of words and dialogue are kept for parents to see. This documentation also helps teachers to evaluate their work and understand their students better.

Parents, teachers and students all have an active role in the learning process but with this approach the student is right at the center. In a society where all individuals are increasingly required to have entrepreneurial, problem solving and inspirational qualities, schools like this are needed. A shift from a superficial type of education to one of a more meaningful kind is vital, creating adults who can make an important contribution to society.

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