Supplemental Writing Activity one

Shauna Murphy

Dr. Bunch

ARTE 329 01

22 February 2016

Supplemental Writing Activity One

        An educational theorist I found to be interesting is Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. One concept Pestalozzi felt strongly about is that children should learn through activity. He believed that learning should be a hands-on approach, rather than simply having students take notes. Pestalozzi also believed students should be able to explore their interests when they are learning, and arrive at their own conclusions. I find this to be significant because it is very important for a teacher to use more than one approach when teaching. Though sometimes it is important for students to sit, listen, and take notes on what you are teaching, it is very important for the students to be actively learning in the classroom as well. Students should enjoy learning, and they should feel open to exploring new topics.

        Another concept related to Pestalozzi is his emphasis on spontaneity and self-activity. He believed that students should arrive at answers on their own, rather than from the teacher. Pestalozzi wrote about this theory in his book How Gertrude Teaches Her Children. I find this concept to be very interesting. It is a new approach to teaching that I have never thought about before. This approach deals with getting students to use their own powers of seeing, judging, and reasoning, which shows the teacher is teaching the student as a whole. I like Pestalozzi’s concept because I think it is important for the student to get the best education possible, and getting them to see, judge, and reason on their own is an important life skill.

        Another educational theorist I found interesting is Friedrich Frobel. One concept Frobel focused on was known as the “kindergarten system.” This system emphasized the importance of play in a child’s life. Frobel said play is important because children can engage in a creative activity, and they can become aware of their place in the world. I think Frobel’s “kindergarten system” is very important because young children need a break from learning where they can be creative and interact with other kids their age. After Frobel’s study done on the importance of play, kindergartners have showed developmental advances.

        Friedrich Frobel also created toys, which he referred to as “gifts” or “occupations.” These toys were designed to stimulate learning through play activities that were accompanied by music. Many pre-school and kindergarten teachers use Frobel’s technique of playing with music in the background. I find this interesting because I think adding music to play helps stimulate the children’s minds. The music playing can be educational, so the students are learning even more through play. I also like that Frobel believes teachers should be more informal with their students. Being informal with your students creates more of a friendly classroom environment where every student feels comfortable and can learn.