There are very few education systems around the world that encourages the use of “imagination” in education. And one such system is a system known as “Waldorf Education”. This system was developed by an Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. And hence this system is also known as the “Steiner Education”. The philosophy of this system essentially based on integrating and developing the intellect, practical, and the artistic side of the student.
The philosophy of the “Waldorf Education” first took root in 1919. When Rudolph Steiner in response to a request by Emil Molt (owner and managing director of Waldorf Astoria Cigarette Company) opened a school based on his ideas. The core idea of this school is based on Steiner’s theory of child development which divides childhood into three developmental stages. And each of these three stages consists of different learning strategies. Now each of the three stages according to Steiner last for about seven years each. These stages are as follows
- Pre-school and kindergarten: First 6/7 years:
According to Steiner’s theory this stage is ideal for children to learn provided the atmosphere is conducive to learning. So the best way to provide such an atmosphere is by using “experimental education”. Whereby children are allowed to learn by example and also encouraged to use their imagination.
- Elementary Education: Age 6/7 to 14:
During this stage according to Steiner’s theory more emphasis on development of a child’s emotional life and imagination is to be given. It is also at this stage that the child is to be encouraged to connect on a deeper level to the field of arts via activities such as storytelling, drama, vocal and instrumental music etc. The basic subjects in a child’s curriculum at this stage should include history, geography, algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry etc.
- Secondary Education: Age 14 and above:
During this stage according to this theory the student must be encouraged to focus and to learn through their own thinking and judgement. The child must also be provided with the ideal base so as to develop into a “free and morally responsible” individual. The basic aim of this stage is to encourage young adults to face the world as a “free spirited, independent and creative individual”.
Apart from the three stages in a child’s life this theory also divides the temperament of a child in four categories i.e. melancholic, sanguine, phlegmatic, and choleric. And according to Steiner teaching must be carried out in accordance only after the temperament of the child has been identified. So for example a child with a melancholic temperament is sensitive and introverted and therefore must be taught accordingly. Additionally, this system also believes that the teacher must first understand the temperament of the student and be prepared.
The assessment of the students in this system is essentially done through analytical reports on individual academic progress and personal development. While personal development is analyzed through discussions between student and teacher during conferences. As for grades, no grades are given to the student till he/she enters high school i.e. 14-15 years.
As can be seen this “Waldorf Education” follows a holistic approach to education which requires time to generate results. Unfortunately in this age of technology that we are living in we have lost the art of staying patient and have become focussed on the outcome. As a result of which there are very few schools around the globe that use the “Waldorf Education” system. Under such circumstances one can only hope and pray that we as humans become less “result oriented” and more “vision oriented”. Due to which one would eventually see more schools (around the world) use this wonderful education system called “WALDORF”.
