Discussion Post: Environments That Reflect Our Values and Beliefs
"Every environment implies a set of values or beliefs about the people who use the space and the activities that take place there....each environment also influences the people who use it in subtle or dramatic ways" (Jaruszewicz, page 10).
Discussed a teaching philosophy and curriculum which most closely matched your own teaching philosophy. This discussion question will expand on these ideas and focus on the classroom environment. Watch each of the following videos:
o Montessori approach: Developmental Stages
o Reggio Emilia approach: Reggio Approach
o Waldorf approach: Waldorf's Integrated Way of Learning
Pay particular attention to each classroom environment. Choose one approach that you identify with most (it may be the same or different from the approach you discussed in Week One). Utilizing the text and at least one additional resource, please discuss specific values and beliefs of the teaching philosophy/approach you selected, and explain how these values and beliefs are reflected in the classroom environment design. Expand on how the classroom environment design supports the teaching philosophy and curriculum. What elements would you identify as especially important for you to include when implementing this teaching philosophy and curriculum?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.