As part of a research project on influential theorists in emergent literacy I learned about Johann Pestalozzi. His ideas were considered radically innovative at the time. His teaching method emphasized group rather than individual performance and focused on activities such as drawing, writing, singing, mapmaking, and field trips. He was also a strong advocate for physical education and had a huge impact on bring science into students lives, outside of the classroom. Up until I was in college my educational experiences were mostly led by teacher lecture. Pestalozzi did not believe in this method as he encouraged students to be out of their seats, interacting with one another, and having self-discovery. I find this to be interesting as this idea came about in the 1700’s. It seems like that was very early to have such a view on education. However, today there are many educators and schools that have taken on his philosophy.
Pestalozzi also had a philosophy which included the development of practical skills and social awareness in addition to academic achievements. He believed that we needed to educate our hands, heart, and head. He opened a school for orphaned children in his younger days that encompassed this belief. Today there are many villages (Pestalozzi World Villages) around the world which have adopted Pestalozzi’s beliefs and incorporated them into their education. The villages allow for individual differences, grouping students by ability rather than age, and encouraging formal teacher training. You can learn more about the villages.
Here is a video that although is for a fund-raising project, gives a good overview of Pestalozzi's hopes for education.
2 comments:
It is interesting how what was considered radical at the time that Pestalozzi was developing his theory and practice is part of what some educators believe is standard, good practice today. His theories helped shape Montessori's practice. Montessori schools are all over in today's education world. In fact, in oublic education, some teachers incorporate some Montessori aspects into their classrooms.
I allow my students to make choices within their centers and with grouping themselves to wokr on assignments. I use discourse in math to help my students learn from one another and explore materials rather than giving them the bottom line (which is a Pestalozzian thoery for teaching). I think that it is really important for students to view themselves as "experts" on ideas and experiences that they have background knowledge in and to view each other as sources of information and as resources. The teacher should not be the end all be all of information.
I agree with you, Allison. I too enjoyed learning about Pestalozzi last week and was interested when watching the video clip you posted. I think the learning that takes place when children are truly involved and excited is so much more meaningful and memorable. Pestalozzi was innovative in his thinking; to get children out of their seats during a time when everyone else was saying exactly the opposite is admirable. I think this is a challenge that all teachers face today. How can we engage our students, get them excited about what they are learning and make sure they are retaining that informatrion at the same time? It truly is a challenge.
I personally think teachers can keep student interest up by changing up their routine and keeping things fresh. Taking students outside to do a lesson or teaching the same lesson a different way, could have that affect. Last year I often incorporated an outdoor center whenever possible. If I had a parent volunteer coming in I would have her take a small group outside as one of our literacy centers and practice word wall words, word families, digraphs, (etc.) with chalk on the blacktop. The children absolutely loved this center because it was fun and different, but at the same time it helped them practicce a necessary skill. I also learned to incorporate movement into more of my lessons. So rather than having them sit for a lesson when I introduced a new word wall word, they each worked with a partner and one of them wrote the new word on their white board while their partner did jumping jacks. Something as simple as that got the children excited and motivated to learn a new word. Changing up my routines, as well as encouraging peer teaching, really enabled the students to take their learning to a different level. Also, here is a website that I founbd interesting when looking at learning oudoors: http://www.learnoutside.org/home.html
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