Variations of Educational Learning

Throughout these past few weeks of ECS classes, both in 200 and 210, I have learned of many “big thinkers” in education, and the important role they played in improving schooling and curriculum. Looking back through history, its great to see how much education has grown and evolved from the linear ways of schooling. One person who helped move education in a positive, explorative direction was Loris Malaguzzi; the man who founded “Reggio Emilia”.  

“Our task is to help children communicate with the world using all their potential, strengths, and languages, and to overcome any obstacle presented by our culture.” -Loris Malaguzzi

I love what Malaguzzi, and his approach stands for, as it promotes student learning through hands on experience and exploration. Through this quote, Malaguzzi speaks of many positive elements that can benefit learners in the classroom, including:

• Space and creative leeway for educators to structure their lessons and activity’s. This freedom helps teachers create, “out of the box” lessons that broaden student’s understandings.
• It allows students to take the lead in their own learning, by incorporating, and working with, their skills, talents, and learning styles.
• It allows for cultural boundaries to be broken. Malaguzzi promotes the inclusion of diverse languages, which in turn helps all students learn about different cultures.
• This method allows children to learn by doing and exploring.

Using this method, it is impossible to teach in a linear fashion. I always believe that teaching is not an exact science, and we are always learning and adapting to our classroom needs. This method would not work with one singular lesson plan, as all student’s needs are different.

In Malaguzzi’s quote, the teacher has an important role to play as they are the cheerleader, knowledge bank, and supporter for the student. I love how in this method, the teacher is not lecturing at the front of the class, but instead providing engaging experiences for students to learn at their own rate and style. Through the child’s education, we also have to help them discover their own voice within the world. The student’s role is to be open to new learning experiences, find which learning style works best for them, and discover how they can use their skills and talents to benefit them in their learning. Students should be taught how we are all unique and each bring something special to the world.

I agree with Malaguzzi’s philosophy as I believe students need variations, within the lessons they experience, to reach maximum learning potential. I believe that, though we have the curriculum to help guide us as teachers, we must teach to the needs of our students. The children coming into our classes are already full of knowledge and skills; therefore, I agree with how Malaguzzi speaks of incorporating these into the classroom. As teachers, I believe we can help students learn new things, but in return we are enveloped by a wealth of knowledge.