Comparative Education

This semester, in my teacher training class, we have been studying comparative education. We have reviewed all types of educational methods and philosophies from religious day schools, to Montessori, to innovations in public school, and even homeschooling. Overall, I find that excellent teachers who elicit wonder and interest in their students, as well as bring a standard of excellence are everywhere. What I find that Waldorf brings, is a coherence to that effort, as well as a balance. Waldorf education embraces a holistic view of the human being and our needs, therefore allowing all areas of human capacity to be developed. The mind, the heart, the hands are all given attention, and humanity and a sense of purpose always permeate the curriculum. Additionally, teachers in Waldorf are always working creatively to design and implement their lessons with attention to the actual students before them; one size fits all is not relevant in a Waldorf classroom. Meaning and relevance are always a part of the curriculum and its presentation in lesson form to the students.

And what I believe homeschooling brings to refine the benefits of Waldorf even more is the freedom from oppressive structure, such as administrative issues, time constraints of a particular period, and forced same age social situations. Homeschooling allows children to relate with multiple ages, and gain a sense of self that is more naturally reached, rather than brought to bear from the forces of peer pressure. What happens in a same age setting is a pecking order develops, whereas in a multi-age setting, natural variations in ability exist because of maturation. In a healthy homeschooling situation, children also have plenty of time to socialize and play with other children, as well as meet and relate with adults through the natural course of the work of the day.

What excellent teachers have you seen or heard of?

One of my absolute favorites is John Taylor Gatto. His research into the history of public education and its unabashed, stated purpose is eye opening to say the least. Some new names I have learned about from my course work are Parker J. Palmer, Steven Levy, and Ron Berger. These educators are doing exciting and valuable work in the field of education and they are bringing excellence forth in other educators and in the students they encounter. And they sure aren't teaching to any standardized test. For information against standardized testing, check out Alfie Kohn's work. Please take time to read about their work. Here are the links:

John Taylor Gatto Site
The Courage To Teach, Parker Palmer
Expeditionary Learning, Steven Levy
Article by Ron Berger
Alfied Kohn's Website

Best to you in your work of education!