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Introduction: Improving children's physical activity is a major goal of global public health, and physical education in school settings should be valued as the most crucial task in modern society. While the Ministry of Education promulgated the Curriculum Guidelines of 12-Year Basic Education according to the spirit of holistic education, the current system often falls short in translating these principles into tangible action within physical education. Despite Waldorf education being hailed as a practical embodiment of holistic principles, there is a dearth of research on Waldorf physical activities and education in local academia. In order to address this gap, this study first reviews the theoretical underpinnings of holistic education and Waldorf education regarding body and physical education, then takes Waldorf education as practical cases to examine the link to holistic education. Methods: This case study used the qualitative paradigm as its primary method. Three Waldorf schools were selected as major cases/interviewees according to their varied attributes. The data were collected using in-depth interviews and document analyses. Results: Based on the data analysis, the physical activities at Waldorf schools could be categorized as games and physical courses, art and cultural activities, outdoor education, and after-school clubs. Among those course designs, principles such as diversity, regularity, completeness, and body-mind balance emerged, which correspond to the major principles in holistic education. Conclusion: The contents of physical education at Waldorf schools represents the purpose of holistic education, especially from the perspectives of wellness, funoriented teaching, non-competitiveness, the mind-body connection, and the physical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of students enrolled in charter schools grows across the country, so do questions about their impact on academic outcomes (National Center for Educational Statistics). Given the importance of student test scores as evidence of success at the state, school, classroom, and teacher levels, understanding the effect of these charter schools' pedagogies on student outcomes is critical. Waldorf-inspired charter schools are one such growing alternative pedagogy. This study answers the question: Is there any significant difference between the levels of achievement for students in English Language Arts and math who are enrolled in Waldorf-inspired charter schools vs. those in either local public school classrooms or other charter classrooms that do not use the Waldorf pedagogy? Using OLS multiple linear regression this study examined the significance of the levels of achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math among students in 16 Waldorf-inspired charter schools and other charter and non-charter schools in California, using the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores. The research revealed that there are significantly higher percentages of eighth-grade students in Waldorf-inspired charter schools meeting or exceeding state standards in ELA and math as compared to their non-Waldorf charter school comparison groups, even when controlling for the size of the school, socioeconomic status, and district-level fixed effects (p < 0.01). This is despite the significantly smaller percentage of students in these schools meeting state standards in grades three through five. The results of this study suggest that Waldorf's developmental approach to education can result in strong academic outcomes despite a slower, low-stakes approach to teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to identify trends in Steiner Waldorf education through the lens of Clarence Beeby’s work on educational myths. Beeby calls myths a form of communication between contemporaries or between generations, ways of conceptualizing education that can be understood quickly yet are flexible enough to accommodate a range of interpretations. A myth holds for a period and then transitions into a new myth that best suits changed times and changed circumstances. I reflect on what the myths of Waldorf education might be and take up Gramsci’s well-known quotation on change, “The crisis consists precisely of the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear,” In writing this, Gramsci extended the interregnum beyond its usual papal connotation to include the socio-cultural condition as well. I use the notion to consider if Waldorf education is currently in an interregnum period and is displaying both “morbid symptoms” and promising signs of fresh development. In addition, I contemplate if these promising signs point toward a new myth that will allow Waldorf education to step beyond its century-old, colonial heritage.

A well-established principle of Waldorf Education is that children's development is compromised if we bring intellectual teaching too early. Waldorf teachers congratulate themselves that they wait until the seventh year to begin formal schooling, but according to the principles of child development out of which Waldorf Education arose, and on which much of our practice has been based for a hundred years, teaching children to read and write at seven is not ideal; they are still not ready. Convention and state expectations made it necessary in 1919, just as they do now, to introduce literacy teaching at an age not too far from what was generally considered normal, so a compromise was needed. Steiner suggested that, because physical development reaches a certain completion at seven, it is less harmful if we can wait until then. But according to Steiner, this is still a compromise: we cannot immediately unleash any kind of teaching scheme on children as soon as they reach their seventh year without doing any harm. According to modern teaching principles and methods, starting earlier means getting ahead; everything should be taught explicitly and systematically; and nothing can be left to develop of its own accord. Proponents of synthetic phonics refer to impressive research showing that it produces better results than other methods of teaching literacy, which is why it has been adopted so widely in mainstream education. However, the validity of this claim depends on what we mean by 'better results' and 'literacy'. This paper explores these ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the distinctive approach to media education in Steiner/Waldorf Schools, focusing on delayed introduction of electronic media. Addressing a research gap, the article highlights the unique developmental phases guiding media pedagogy, combining direct and indirect media education and the so called "media maturity tower." A central focus is the alignment of media pedagogy with the cognitive developmental stages of students. There are three distinct phases addressed in connection with different topics within the school curriculum. These phases underscore the educational commitment to age-appropriate media engagement and enable a comparison between the rather critical stance taken by Steiner/Waldorf Schools and the current trends regarding the use of media in education. The article highlights the need for further research on the long-term impact of the developmental approach here described on students' media interactions in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this perspective paper I propose to explore the remarkable humanity-centered education designed by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), along with his legacy in the form of the Waldorf schools that still serve children aged 3-18. Steiner was a polymath who could have been influenced by figures including the Roman playwright Terence, a freed slave who valued "humanity," as well as the 16th Century Humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, who was in favor of humane education. International Waldorf education is now over 100 years old and Steiner's focus on educating the human being in a healthy and integrated manner remains central. This paper provides an exploratory overview of Steiner-Waldorf education and offers a critical reflection on issues sometimes raised against its theory and practice. I have interviewed 43 Waldorf teachers from schools in Germany, the US and the UK covering their individual evaluation of human and humane-focused Waldorf pedagogy. The paper concludes that, given external government support, it can remain a visionary movement and a stimulus to other educational systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of students enrolled in charter schools grows across the country, so do questions about their impact on academic outcomes (National Center for Educational Statistics). Given the importance of student test scores as evidence of success at the state, school, classroom, and teacher levels, understanding the effect of these charter schools' pedagogies on student outcomes is critical. Waldorf-inspired charter schools are one such growing alternative pedagogy. This study answers the question: Is there any significant difference between the levels of achievement for students in English Language Arts and math who are enrolled in Waldorf-inspired charter schools vs. those in either local public school classrooms or other charter classrooms that do not use the Waldorf pedagogy? Using OLS multiple linear regression this study examined the significance of the levels of achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math among students in 16 Waldorf-inspired charter schools and other charter and non-charter schools in California, using the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores. The research revealed that there are significantly higher percentages of eighth-grade students in Waldorf-inspired charter schools meeting or exceeding state standards in ELA and math as compared to their non-Waldorf charter school comparison groups, even when controlling for the size of the school, socioeconomic status, and district-level fixed effects (p < 0.01). This is despite the significantly smaller percentage of students in these schools meeting state standards in grades three through five. The results of this study suggest that Waldorf's developmental approach to education can result in strong academic outcomes despite a slower, low-stakes approach to teaching.

A well-established principle of Waldorf Education is that children’s development is compromised if we bring intellectual teaching too early. Waldorf teachers congratulate themselves that they wait until the seventh year to begin formal schooling, but according to the principles of child development out of which Waldorf Education arose, and on which much of our practice has been based for a hundred years, teaching children to read and write at seven is not ideal; they are still not ready. Convention and state expectations made it necessary in 1919, just as they do now, to introduce literacy teaching at an age not too far from what was generally considered normal, so a compromise was needed. Steiner suggested that, because physical development reaches a certain completion at seven, it is less harmful if we can wait until then. But according to Steiner, this is still a compromise: we cannot immediately unleash any kind of teaching scheme on children as soon as they reach their seventh year without doing any harm. According to modern teaching principles and methods, starting earlier means getting ahead; everything should be taught explicitly and systematically; and nothing can be left to develop of its own accord. Proponents of synthetic phonics refer to impressive research showing that it produces better results than other methods of teaching literacy, which is why it has been adopted so widely in mainstream education. However, the validity of this claim depends on what we mean by ‘better results’ and ‘literacy’. This paper explores these ideas.

This article explores the distinctive approach to media education in Steiner/Waldorf Schools, focusing on delayed introduction of electronic media. Addressing a research gap, the article highlights the unique developmental phases guiding media pedagogy, combining direct and indirect media education and the so called “media maturity tower.” A central focus is the alignment of media pedagogy with the cognitive developmental stages of students. There are three distinct phases addressed in connection with different topics within the school curriculum. These phases underscore the educational commitment to age-appropriate media engagement and enable a comparison between the rather critical stance taken by Steiner/Waldorf Schools and the current trends regarding the use of media in education. The article highlights the need for further research on the long-term impact of the developmental approach here described on students’ media interactions in adulthood.

A large city 'gives birth' to groups of carriers of certain ideas, values, and attitudes, who seek each other out. Parents choose schools that appear closer to their own values, where the methods of transmitting these values and the forms of classes seem more preferable and coherent. Schools 'attract' those parents whose basic life attitudes align and correlate with the school's mission, values, and strategy. The study aimed to identify factors influencing the development of alternative education in large cities. To achieve this, information was collected and analyzed on 667 private alternative educational projects in the five largest cities of Russia (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan). In each city, five leaders of private alternative educational projects were identified and interviewed in-depth. Interviews and focus groups were also conducted with experts in alternative education. The study revealed that the concentration of maximum professional, infrastructural, economic, cultural, religious, political-ideological, and social diversity in large cities is a precondition for the development of alternative school education. Stimulating factors for the development of alternative education in large cities include overcrowded schools and the quality of education not meeting parents' expectations. The factor of parents plays a significant role: their age, involvement in their children's education, high level of information, etc. The lifestyle of city dwellers is a formative factor. Here, two strategies can be identified: the 'all inclusive' strategy and the strategy of education connoisseurs. At the same time, in a large city, there are also limiting factors for the development of alternative education: a complex transport system and logistical component, expensive rent and/or cost of buildings.

In this perspective paper I propose to explore the remarkable humanity-centered education designed by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), along with his legacy in the form of the Waldorf schools that still serve children aged 3–18. Steiner was a polymath who could have been influenced by figures including the Roman playwright Terence, a freed slave who valued “humanity,” as well as the 16th Century Humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, who was in favor of humane education. International Waldorf education is now over 100 years old and Steiner’s focus on educating the human being in a healthy and integrated manner remains central. This paper provides an exploratory overview of Steiner-Waldorf education and offers a critical reflection on issues sometimes raised against its theory and practice. I have interviewed 43 Waldorf teachers from schools in Germany, the US and the UK covering their individual evaluation of human and humane-focused Waldorf pedagogy. The paper concludes that, given external government support, it can remain a visionary movement and a stimulus to other educational systems.

This paper traces the introduction of Steiner programmes in publicly funded school settings in Victoria, Australia, through a recent history covering approximately 1990–2011. Three programmes are examined through interviews with Steiner educators focusing on some of the challenges of working with these alternative educational ideas in these settings. While the first two of these programmes proved successful, the third was discontinued amid some controversy in 2011. The educational change these programmes presented is framed in terms of their contribution to epistemological diversity within the public-education domain in Australia, as reflected in the educational values associated with these programmes, and the educational sensibilities through which these were mediated in terms of the Steiner educators interviewed. Biographical Sociology is drawn on to foreground the felt experience of the Steiner educators involved, and to highlight some of the ideological and philosophical tensions that were at play, and how they were managed. These tensions, it is argued, were at times exacerbated through the co-location of these programmes within existing mainstream schools in Australia, in contrast to the more common stand-alone, publicly funded Steiner schools established internationally. In exploring the spilling over of these tensions into polemical public debate in relation to the third programme, the move of Steiner education into publicly funded school settings internationally is taken into account, and questions of the successful mitigation of these tensions more generally examined, placing these local experiences into a wider context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Special Treatment / Különleges Bánásmód is the property of University of Debrecen and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Special Treatment / Különleges Bánásmód is the property of University of Debrecen and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study reported here aims to explore the relationship between Waldorf education and the sustainable school approach through a small-scale qualitative research study conducted in a Greek Waldorf school. Following a semi-structured interview protocol, four teachers shared their views and beliefs on the congruence between the two approaches as reflected in the philosophy and everyday practice of their school. The study's findings indicate that the Greek Waldorf school manifests several of the quality criteria that define a sustainable school, with pedagogy identified as the most relevant aspect, particularly in terms of the quality of teaching and learning processes. Participants also identified common features between the two approaches on both the social/organizational and physical/technical levels. Although not all the criteria of a sustainable school are fully met, the teachers believe that the sustainability concept is implicitly interwoven with the philosophy and practice of Waldorf education and that their school is moving in the direction of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the education world, Waldorf education exists in some countries. Waldorf education revitalized the Indonesian education issue to improve individual well-being. This study reviews Waldorf education in Indonesia. We collected data via online content analysis focused on the Waldorf school website and Facebook. It was reported that Waldorf education only exists in big cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Balikpapan, and Bali. All Waldorf education in Indonesia only offered play gardens, except Arunika Waldorf and Madu Waldorf, which offer an elementary school. All of the websites from Jagat Alit, Arunika, Bambino Preschool, Madu Waldorf, and Kulila Playgroup provide all the information about their school. However, for Denia Beun Play Garden, the information was mostly updated on their Facebook account. The implementation of Waldorf philosophy was well implemented in all schools. The adjustment point only on cultures because of the differences between Europe culture and Indonesian culture.

Waldorf education provides a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically demanding educational approach. It seeks to stimulate lifelong learning in all students while also allowing them to fully utilize their individual abilities. Hence, the objective of this study is to establish how the seven core principles of Waldorf education will assist children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to flourish. The Waldorf method, according to Priyanti and Warmansyah (2021), is utilized to help children attain a delicate blend of genuine experience, which leads to a strong level of confidence in their abilities. This applies the acquired abilities to use especially for ASD children. Furthermore, the significance of this paper can also assist the educational system in identifying the methodological underpinnings that will benefit these special kids. This study is a review of the literature to determine how the seven key principles of Waldorf education support children's moral growth and encourage free and independent thought, which promotes self-discovery. ASD children benefit greatly from educational philosophies that encourage the development of successful social-emotional behaviors and academic skills. Waldorf education, an educational philosophy that emphasizes developmentally appropriate hands-on learning, has been shown to improve social and academic outcomes for children with disabilities such as ASD.

Waldorf education is a relatively widespread form of experimental education. It has reached 67 countries worldwide and has been widely recognized and valued by Taiwanese education circles, ranging from early childhood education to compulsory education at all levels. This paper focused on Waldorf education in Taiwan, where the aim of such education is the holistic development of the student throughout their academic journey. Following a search with "Waldorf" or "Anthroposophy" as the keyword for the paper title, 94 empirical studies were analyzed, comprising 16 empirical journal articles and 78 Ph.D. dissertations. The literature analysis method was used, and the literature was analyzed from five perspectives: research time, research methods, educational stages of research objects, research themes, and research results. The results indicated the following. First, the development of Taiwan's Waldorf schools is consistent with the core values of the philosophy of Waldorf education in terms of curricular development, teaching, school organization, school development, and parental participation. Second, several difficulties, such as those in curriculum development, teaching, school organization, and parental participation, in the empirical study of Waldorf education in Taiwan were noted. Anthroposophy has undergone development in Taiwan for less than 30 years, which is too short for it to have any noticeable contribution. In addition, other aspects of education require greater social support. Third, according to the empirical research on Waldorf education in Taiwan, teaching, learning, and parental participation are the three key factors influencing Waldorf education. Fourth, the empirical research on future improvements suggests that Waldorf education should be adapted to local characteristics but that these adaptations should adhere to the essence of Waldorf education. Furthermore, the development of Waldorf-based schools should be more open and inclusive, with more connections with stakeholders outside the school. The study identified several gaps in the literature that future empirical research on Waldorf education in Taiwan should meet. 1. Research scope: future studies should focus on glocalization and praxis in Waldorf education. 2. Research sample: future studies should focus on extending Waldorf education to the university context and to middle school students and above. 3. Research methods: future studies should conduct mixed-methods research and compare between countries, between schools, or between mainstream and experimental education. 4. Research topics: future studies conduct empirical research on Waldorf education using academic research as a communication tool; focus on reality, addressing today's most relevant challenges, and transform Waldorf education empirical research; enrich and conduct empirical research on learning, learning outcomes, and monitor Waldorf graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key element differentiating Waldorf schools from traditional schools is the particular temporal articulation of the school day, and the teaching times of the various subjects throughout the year. If this type of school is characterized by the accentuated flexibility of the didactic organization, it is also necessary to take into account the adjustments imposed on the effective organization of the school by the legislative system of the country where it is located. In addition to highlighting these aspects, this article aims to offer, through a critical rereading of the Steinerian text, an interpretation of the most important pedagogical principles underlying the methods used to organize teaching in the Waldorf school. The article identifies the recommended methods for teaching various subjects in relation to the age of the learners, and the tasks which Steiner considers necessary for a correct pre-school and compulsory education. Additionally, the article aims to highlight some peculiarities in the teaching of writing and reading as conceived by the Austrian pedagogist. The work ends with some considerations of the validity of the system as a whole.

Abstract Background Evidence so far shows that Waldorf students are characterized by average science achievement but at the same time high socioeconomic status and high science motivation. Moreover, Waldorf education is characterized by high emphasis on inquiry-based science education (IBSE). The present study investigates if the specific attitude-achievement constellation of Waldorf students in science may be explained by the high level of IBSE. Methods Propensity score matching was applied to control for Waldorf students’ more advantageous social background using the Austrian PISA 2015 sample (N = 7007 15-year old students). After propensity score matching, 1107 matched controls were included alongside all 149 Waldorf students. Results The results show that Waldorf students report higher enjoyment in learning science and more interest in broad science topics than matched controls. On the other hand, they demonstrate lower science achievement. Mediation analyses show that, although Waldorf students’ more positive attitudes towards science can be almost entirely attributed to their higher exposure to IBSE, their underperformance in science cannot. Conclusions These results indicate that attending a school type with a high level of IBSE (Waldorf) may have positive effects on attitudinal outcomes (enjoyment and interest in science) whereas it does not seem to have notable effects on science achievement. This indicates that IBSE could be applied in educational contexts aiming to increase students’ scientific attitudes.

The study reported here aims to explore the relationship between Waldorf education and the sustainable school approach through a small-scale qualitative research study conducted in a Greek Waldorf school. Following a semi-structured interview protocol, four teachers shared their views and beliefs on the congruence between the two approaches as reflected in the philosophy and everyday practice of their school. The study’s findings indicate that the Greek Waldorf school manifests several of the quality criteria that define a sustainable school, with pedagogy identified as the most relevant aspect, particularly in terms of the quality of teaching and learning processes. Participants also identified common features between the two approaches on both the social/organizational and physical/technical levels. Although not all the criteria of a sustainable school are fully met, the teachers believe that the sustainability concept is implicitly interwoven with the philosophy and practice of Waldorf education and that their school is moving in the direction of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

This paper examines constructive play in the context of Waldorf and normative kindergartens in Israel. In conceptualizing the output of children's construction, the current research relies upon the fields of problem-solving and technological thinking, using the design process model. The research results were based on a sample of 39 construction processes collected over the course of one year. A relatively high percentage of construction targets 86% geared towards socio-dramatic play was found at the Waldorf preschools compared to 35% at the normative preschools, indicating that the constructive play is a central feature at the Waldorf preschools and it can serve other types of play as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to the understanding of Steiner education as a localised practice, this paper traces the creation of two "second generation" Steiner schools in 1980s Victoria. A period of expansion for Steiner education in Australia, the 1980s saw the number of Steiner schools increase from 5 to 31. These schools were started mainly by groups of parents and teachers who not only advocated for them but also became involved in managing and teaching in them. While the success of these schools relied on favourable conditions for independent schools in Australia, they also depended on platforms of philosophical and educational understanding often a considerable time in the making. Oral history, as well as biographical sociology are utilised to examine the experience of founding members in creating these schools. Interviews with 17 Steiner educators are supplemented with documentary materials to trace the creation of each school, as each initiative sought to "grow out of its own soil". The largely positive relationship of each to the local "first generation" Steiner school is highlighted, along with the realisation of those involved that "each has to do the work anew". The importance of a shared vision, conceived partly as inner-work for those involved, is likewise traced for these groups, along with examination of an instance for each where this failed. In concluding, the growth of Australian Steiner education in subsequent decades is briefly touched on, in the context of a new framing for philosophical alternatives under the moniker of "choice". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The narrative of the life of a university Professor (also an experimental educator), as described in this paper, focuses on the practice of education and the growth of life, and re- understands and thinks about "education" through the critical review of "life growth". This story is a narrative journey in which "educational practice" meets "life growth" and represent the "philosophy of education" from the understanding in action. This study is a narrative inquiry into the meaning of the life line, targeting at one university teacher-trainer (who is also a Waldorf educator). Specifically, this inquiry into Waldorf education and life development is departing from the angles of a participant's anthroposophical life development, as the axis of "longitudinal inquiry" and the vital spirit of educational philosophy as the axis of "horizontal inquiry". The development of the life story in this paper presents important narrative line as follows: 1.The important themes and life line presented in the participant's growth experience in this narrative are the two forces of life that Waldorf education emphasizes as "exhaling to inhaling" and "releasing to tightening"; 2.This paper narrates the growth history of one participant. The significance of the developmental stage of "truth-goodness-beauty" is presented in the discourse of anthroposophical life history; 3.The educational practices of a participant in this narrative is authentically mirrored and then connected to her personal life growth; 4.This paper narrates the relationship between a participant life path, educational practices, and educational philosophy; 5.The narrative of the participants' continuous engagement in the life-transforming experiences with reference to the educational practice provides an important meaning of the integration of body, mind and spirit, teacher training, life education, and Waldorf educational philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the teacher-student relationship under the unique school culture of Waldorf education. The research field is based on a Waldorf school in Taiwan and in- depth interviews and focus group were used in this study to analyze the unique teacher- student relationship through the perspectives of teachers and students. The results of this study found that the teachers of Waldorf school actually applied the fourfold human being, four temperaments, seven-year old transformation, eight-year class teacher system and other anthroposophical theories in their teaching practice. The application of the framework is not absolute, it retains a certain flexibility. On the whole in Waldorf schools, anthroposophical theory acts as a reference framework, guiding teachers to deeply understand the inner nature of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the background of the approval of theUN-Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities in 2006 (see Vereinte Nationen 2009) and the ratification in Germany we reached a new stadium of development for the participation and the independent living of people with disabilities. For the whole life of people with disabilities their right of participation and independent living is here proclaimed for the first time in detail. Especially the article 24 with the objective of an inclusive education system at all levels faces the German educational policy with a principal demand of educational reform. On this background inclusive education in the German speaking area has seized again and again diverse suggestions from the so called "Reformpädagogik". How far this as well may be the case for the German "Waldorf Education" will be observed in the following. There will be a main focus on the "Waldorf Schools". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence so far shows that Waldorf students are characterized by average science achievement but at the same time high socioeconomic status and high science motivation. Moreover, Waldorf education is characterized by high emphasis on inquiry-based science education (IBSE). The present study investigates if the specific attitude-achievement constellation of Waldorf students in science may be explained by the high level of IBSE. Methods: Propensity score matching was applied to control for Waldorf students' more advantageous social background using the Austrian PISA 2015 sample (N = 7007 15-year old students). After propensity score matching, 1107 matched controls were included alongside all 149 Waldorf students. Results: The results show that Waldorf students report higher enjoyment in learning science and more interest in broad science topics than matched controls. On the other hand, they demonstrate lower science achievement. Mediation analyses show that, although Waldorf students' more positive attitudes towards science can be almost entirely attributed to their higher exposure to IBSE, their underperformance in science cannot. Conclusions: These results indicate that attending a school type with a high level of IBSE (Waldorf) may have positive effects on attitudinal outcomes (enjoyment and interest in science) whereas it does not seem to have notable effects on science achievement. This indicates that IBSE could be applied in educational contexts aiming to increase students' scientific attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this pilot study is to identify how Waldorf-inspired imaginative teaching methods, and low-technology prototyping promote New Media Literacies (NMLs) development at upper elementary school students. Particularly, the aim is twofold: firstly, to test the feasibility of the research design and validate the research instruments; secondly, to explore the relationship among Waldorf-inspired teaching methods, low-technology prototyping and NMLs development. The study was conducted following mixed methods-grounded theory (MM-GT) methodology by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data from 104 participants. Specific learning trajectories are traced facilitating students to develop NMLs. Waldorf-inspired hyper-imaginative learning trajectories are unfolded within a six-phases learning process, as particularly effective at low-technology learning environments. Further research should be carried out to gain more insight into the cross-curricular infusion and acquisition of NMLs through Waldorf education across different educational grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Early Childhood is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The central question posed here is whether it is appropriate to practice meditative techniques with children at school. In recent years, we have been witness to increased implementation of diverse meditative practices in education systems in a number of countries. Effectiveness of these practices is usually measured empirically. This article attempts to examine the question of appropriateness from philosophical and moral perspectives. To that end, a comparison was made between mindfulness and Waldorf education. The difference between the two approaches, in this context are displayed. Each path has its particular advantages and disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a written account of a keynote presentation given at the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, annual conference in Canada. The conference themes included revival of the hand-made and Folk Schools. This article outlines the dramatic effects and hand-made props used to present an “unplugged” presentation that was simultaneously humourous and educational. The presentation began by drawing upon research from the field of anthropology that links the historical development of the brain with early flint-knapping skills. Following the introduction a rationale for understanding the importance of fibre and edge technology was conveyed. An exploration of hand skills was further explored by examining some materials and the design aspects involved in making clothing. The later part of the article describes the child developmental ideas that correspond with Waldorf Handwork programs and outlines the origin of two of North America’s largest Folk Schools. Short narrations occur throughout the paper and are used to emphasize the way making things with our hands link human’s environmental survival to human development and education. The paper concludes with three short stories that emphasize the importance of using our hands in conjunction with our minds to make the stuff of life we need to live.

The important role of self‐efficacy (SE) in students' motivation, engagement, persistence, and academic achievements has been reconfirmed by ample research, both in general and for STEM disciplines. As most studies focused on traditional school systems, additional research is needed on how science SE develops in different educational environments, which was the goal of this study. Data were collected from 1979 students in Grades 5–9 from 19 traditional, Waldorf, and democratic schools in Israel. Students completed a questionnaire that assessed their science self‐efficacy (SSE), general and academic self‐efficacy (GASE), and the sources of their SSE: teachers', parents', and peers' social persuasions, vicarious experiences and mastery experiences. Results revealed that SSE and GASE differed in their levels and in the way they changed with grade. These differences, and variations in the roles of the various sources of SSE, appeared to be influenced by the schools' cultures and curricula. Quantitative results are accompanied by verbal illustrative examples from interviews with students and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]