Principles & Practice in Education
The aim of this area of study is to provide an integrated approach to the principles and actual practice of Steiner Waldorf Education together with some critical comparison with Mainstream Education. It will focus on certain themes drawn from Foundation Studies regarding the education of children, relating them to actual classroom experience. School Experience and the Principles of Education will also be studied within a broader educational context. Modules will be taught on:
Principles & Practice in Education
In these modules a general overview of the Steiner Waldorf curriculum will be given in its relation to child development and pedagogy. Comparisons will be drawn between Steiner Waldorf approaches and those of mainstream education. Consideration will be given to the Steiner Waldorf concept of child development in terms of body, soul and spirit and how this development integrates with the teaching content and teaching methods in Rudolf Steiner schools. It will explore the connection between these basic ideas and the notion of the Teacher as an Artist. Relevant arts will be introduced in relation to the fundamental ideas of the practice of teaching.
School Experience
These modules are essentially practical and involve observation and practice in both Steiner Waldorf and Mainstream schools. The larger part of these modules focuses on you gaining experience in Steiner Waldorf schools but it is also considered important to make comparisons between Steiner Waldorf methods and those of other educational approaches. Study sessions will be included in these modules, focusing on aspects of pedagogy and analysing classroom experience.
First Year modules on the Programme mainly involve observation with some limited practice negotiated with the class-teacher or mentor. Second and Third Year Practice normally involves a substantial placement in a Steiner Waldorf School leading to you taking increasing responsibility for Main Lesson (block) teaching.
Successful completion of teaching practice is an essential requirement for the student intending to teach in a Steiner Waldorf school. A professional reference is produced on the basis of your classroom work, identifying strengths and weaknesses and indicating directions for further development.
