Steiner-Waldorf Education

“The need for imagination, a sense of truth

 and a feeling of responsibility- these

are the three forces which are

the nerve of education”

(Rudolf Steiner)

 

 Steiner Waldorf education was founded by two men; Rudolf Steiner and Emil Molt. Rudolf Steiner was a highly respected philosopher and scientist. His ideas and methods founded the basis of anthroposophy (an educational, therapeutic and creative system seeking to use natural resources to optimize well-being). Emil Molt founded the first Steiner school which opened in Stuttgart in 1919, it was during this time Emil Molt invited Rudolf Steiner, because of his philosophies, to become the director of his school. It was their work together which founded the Steiner Waldorf education.

    Steiner Waldorf education is one for all children despite their ability, ethnicity and religion. Steiner schools accommodate children from the ages of 3-18. The essence of Steiner Waldorf education is to provide a learning environment where the children are unhurried and can enjoy their learning experiences. The education philosophy is based on addressing the developmental needs of the growing child, as a whole. Steiner Waldorf education encourages artistic activities and the development of children’s imagination, they see these as important aspects in children’s learning. Like Montessori schools, Steiner Waldorf schools also has a great emphasis on outdoor play, they encourage open-ended play as exercises for the mind. Children who attend Steiner Waldorf schools develop a love to attend school and to learn. The children who finish their schooling in Steiner Waldorf schools are well balanced humans and have a strong sense of self, they have a reputation for becoming socially and economically responsible, as well as being able to cope with the fast paced, high demanding and ever changing world.

     A Steiner Waldorf classroom is attractive to the eye, the rooms are usually painted with lively, welcoming colours and evidence of children’s work is everywhere to be seen. The teachers in this context of learning have strict training beforehand to form a bond between the learning and themselves. Whilst in the setting they are the ‘example’ to children. They must be enthusiastic to the children and treat each child as an individual. Steiner Waldorf teachers “strive to transform education into an act that educates the whole child.” (Association of Waldorf Schools). The Steiner Waldorf curriculum is one that is flexible and pays equal attention to every area of a child’s needs, it is a broad and comprehensive curriculum that has been structured to ensure it responds to every child’s developmental stages. All subjects are taught through a “pictorial and dynamic manner,” (Association of Waldorf Schools) and children are given chance to experience them for themselves instead of just being taught them with books. All lessons are taught through a balance of practical, intellectual and artistic content.

        The only criticisms I have on Steiner Waldorf education is that there is a lack of modern technology and a lack of literacy teaching in the early years. There can sometimes seem like this context of learning is ‘over-protecting’ the children and not giving them enough freedom for their own learning and development. Otherwise, I think Steiner Waldorf education has a great, effective philosophy for education.

 

References

1.      Nicol, J. (2007) Bringing the Steiner Waldorf approach to your early years practice) London: Routledge

2.      Daniel Hindes (2011) Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf Education Available Internet: http://www.rudolfsteinerweb.com [last accessed on 7^th January 2014]

3.      Association of Waldorf Schools Waldorf Education: An Introduction Available Internet: http://www.whywaldorfworks.org [last accessed on 7^th January 2014]

4.      Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship What is Steiner Education? Available Internet: http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk [last accessed on 8^th January 2014]