The purpose of this study is to explore the arts and culture education plan for preschool children applying the Reggio Emilia approach which emphasizes social interaction and has unique artistic and aesthetic characteristics in educational content and...
The purpose of this study is to explore the arts and culture education plan for preschool children applying the Reggio Emilia approach which emphasizes social interaction and has unique artistic and aesthetic characteristics in educational content and methods. The approach has proven to have significant impact on the practice of arts and culture education for preschool children.
This study is developed to answer three research questions. The first question is “What are the characteristics of arts and culture education for preschool children applying the Reggio Emilia approach?” The characteristics and base principles of 'integrated arts and culture education' and the Reggio Emilia program were closely examined. Both programs share common philosophical background and educational practices and value. There is strong linkage between the Reggio Emilia approach and arts and culture education for preschool children.
The second question of this study is, “What is the potential applicability of the Reggio Emilia approach on arts and culture education for young children?” To answer this question, educational activities in the field of cooperative childcare and education are examined. The qualitative meta-synthesis study method is used to derive the educational characteristics of cooperative childcare and education. Specifically, individual qualitative studies are synthesized through the meta-ethnography method proposed by Noblit and Hare(1988) to derive common themes such as ‘Community Education based on Mutual Respect’ and ‘Life-Connected Education’ in which children directly feel, express, and cooperate with various subjects. Through this process, the applicability of the Reggio Emilia approach is explored as the base for educational activities in cooperative childcare and education. The results show that the Reggio Emilia approach supports and enhances the essential value of arts and culture education and represents the characteristics of integrated arts and culture education.
The third question is, “What are the necessary elements of arts and culture education applying the Reggio Emilia approach in the field of early childhood education and childcare?” Six elements found for revitalization of the programs are 'principle of openness and integration,' 'circularity of activity,' 'parental participation,' 'teacher as a researcher,’ 'community value sharing,' and 'evaluation system centered on process and value.' To employ the Reggio Emilia approach on cultural education for young children more effectively, continuous value sharing is necessary between teachers, parents, and community members. All the participants need to share the common educational principles and develop an effective evaluation system to assess and improve the programs.
Reggio Emilia educational institution employees try to know all the children in the programs, join in all the aspects of the activities and encourage frequent participation of interested people, especially parents, to increase community awareness. Reggio Emilia’s extended family culture among participants makes it different from that of the traditional early childhood program which focuses on the planned routine and standardized curriculum. Arts and culture education can find its own true meaning when it is implemented within a socio-cultural system valuing community consensus by employing the Reggio Emilia approach.