Dear Nora Krieger,

Thank you for your insightful question. Since Loris Malaguzzi's introduction of Reggio Emilia's early childhood model of education after world war II, There have been quite a number of educational models following the underlying principles advocated by Reggio Emilia's model all of which are founded on the basic tenets of the model. The most important are:

1) Using symbolic languages such as sculpting, painting and drama to help children to learn the principles of respect and responsibility.

2) using self directed learning approach within a supportive context helping children the merits of self-exploration and discovery.

3) helping children to express themselves in endless ways making use of various senses.

 I would like to refer you to a useful link called Acellus Academy, which caters to struggling students, home students and so on by helping them learn at their own pace through interactive on-line courses exploiting the principles of Reggio Emilia's model. I hope you find it useful.

Best regards,

R. Biria

https://www.science.edu/AcellusAcademy/info/high-school.html?gclid=CNi2z9DHsNICFVU_GwodmNsNZg

Dear Nora,

You might be interested in the recently finished CARE project. This was a large European study, in which 11 countries participated, among which Italy. You will find interesting case studies of ece centers working with the R.E. model on the project website: http://ecec-care.org/

http://ecec-care.org/

Thank you. Any documentation that can back up the efficacy of the Reggio model would be wonderful. I am wondering if there is any formal research on the efficacy of the model in the primary grades. I know that the model is now in the state-run Italian schools but visits to Reggio rarely include visits to those classrooms. I would love to find out what they learned and whether implementation here in the USA has yielded good research.

it probably is the very best practice - for background see 100 Languages of children  - I suspect there is volumes of related research papers. I don't know how else you could run effective early childhood programs without such insights. Not unique to Reggio but our Australian EARLY CHiLDHOOD FRAMEWORK espouses many of the principles. 

I agree that it is the very best practice but it is really difficult to find any formal peer-reviewed research on the effects of this model on children as they grow and, in some cases, enter traditional learning environments in primary and elementary school. Have you any sources?

I dont know of any longitudinal research sorry - bit there is a school in Victoria Australia - it may be worth contacting the director there, and the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange https://www.reggioaustralia.org.au/ . They may be able to help in that regard.

In line with the Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy, our youngest learners are encouraged to be risk-takers, to test theories and to question, and in doing so acquire sound basic skills in all areas including technology.

At the ELC,

a full-time Arts educator supports children and teachers in the use of materials and developing ideas 

a dedicated E-Learning Coordinator scaffolds the children’s and teacher’s use of technology

construction in the ‘Loose Parts’ outdoor area offers children time to design and build with recycled materials 

a full time designated Hebrew speaking assistant supports the child in developing an awareness of who they are as active members of the Jewish and global community and with a strong connection to Israel

the ‘Centre for Hidden Treasures’, unique to Bialik ELC, offers children and teachers a rich source for the imagination.

- See more at: http://www.bialik.vic.edu.au/our-school/elc-kinder-3-year-1/#sthash.QVTbmjEK.dpuf 

Thank you for the information about Australia. I will seek out and contact the director for more information.

I am surprised at how little documentation exists following children whose learning and development has been in a Reggio Inspired environment.

Hi Nora, I suspect it is because it is focused on early years and primary teachers by and large would be unaware of the pedagogy. My nearly twenty years in the classroom has taught me that schools are the last place you will find serious discussion and dialogue about pedagogy. Personally I came to teaching because I could see the power of philosophical dialogue (Lipman et al) and inquiry learning. Paulo Freire has been a long time mentor so to speak but largely unknown in my country. I should think that PYP in the primary, inquiry learning and project learning would be the progression from the Reggio approach. If the primary purpose of education is cognitive development and purposeful learning then Reggio lays a strong foundation and its approaches can be adapted to primary learning. 

I agree but I wish there was more written up by Reggio Children and programs in the USA about how the approach has been sustained and evolved as it has moved into use in primary grades and higher.

Thank you.

There is one piece of research in the NAREA (North American Reggio Emilia Association) journal Innovations from 2013 with data on the efficacy of Reggio inspired teaching and learning. One of the authors is Ben Mardell.

The research in Innovations demonstrated that Reggio inspired programs create and promote strong learning outcomes.

Link attached to  Heckman, James J., Pietro Biroli, Daniela Del Boca, Lynne Pettler Heckman, Yu Kyung Koh, Sylvi Kuperman, Sidharth Moktan, Chiara D. Pronzato, and Anna L. Ziff. "Evaluation of the Reggio Approach to Early Education." Research in Economics (2017).

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090944317301643

Dear Sylvi:

although there is a link attached, I cannot access the article. My college does not have a database that includes ScienceDirect. I would truly appreciate it if you could send me the complete article. Thank you.

Nora

Hi Nora,

I came across this commentary by Gibson (2014), which provides one perspective in response to your important query:

"While there is an increasing number of publications

about the Reggio Emilia approach (most being published by Reggio children) little or no empirical research examines the links between a child’s participation in the schools and their trajectory in life. This is hardly surprising given central tenets of the approach actively resist outcomes, measurement and accountability. That is not to say there is not ongoing research into the programs - just not research that quantifies the benefits."

See full piece at: https://theconversation.com/reggio-emilia-how-a-city-in-italy-started-an-education-trend-25809

Nicole.

Nora Krieger

Greetings, Ms Krieger. You mentioned an article published by NAREA's Innovations, 2013 "with data on the efficacy of Reggio inspired teaching and learning. One of the authors is Ben Mardell". As a student in Canada, writing my thesis on Reggio Emilia, I would very much appreciate if you could send me this article, which is only available to NAREA members. I haven't been able to find it anywhere else. Being a student, I am afraid the 75US$ membership fee in order to access this article is a bit extravagant. Thanking you in advance, Johanne Barrette

i think if Reggio Emilia early childhood education model focus on Self-Efficacy and motivation will be more effect and active

Following

Following

An evaluation of longitudinal outcomes for participants of Reggio Emilia early childhood education found that while:

- the approach has significant benefit in comparison to children who received no formal early childhood education,

- the approach has no statistically significant benefit in comparison to children who received run-of-the-mill mainstream early childhood education.

Article Evaluation of the Reggio Approach to Early Education

The Emilia education model is one of the most popular models for dealing with children in childhood.

I support the participation of Dr. Sarah Wiesner.

The Reggio Emilia Approach is not a model. It is not a model that is easily transported from one context to another.

هذا انموذج يكون تعزيز لدى الاطفال

No, it is not a model. You are correct, Gigi Yu. It is a set of principles and values that are reflected in guiding how education unfolds. There are some practices that are core to the philosophy. To me, one of these is documentation, and others such as intensely observing and listening to children, along with collaborative sharing of these with colleagues.