A Review of Research of the Reggio Inspired Approach: An Integrative Re-Framing

The Reggio Emilia approach is identified as a resource and inspiration in the field of early childhood education. The term 'Reggio Inspired' refers to all Reggio Emilia approach-based practices outside of Reggio Emilia, Italy. This paper presents a comprehensive study of Reggio Inspired empirical research. Results from an integrative review of the literature (51 unique studies) reveal the lack of outcome research to support the efficacy of the implementation of Reggio Inspired practices and the varied nature of this body of literature. After providing a survey of the literature on Reggio Inspired approaches from around the world, we propose an integrative framework that offers both a structure for future research and a tool for synthesizing literature rooted in the transplantation of Reggio Emilia approach to other contexts, the Reggio Inspired Research Re-framework.