At Aprende con Amigos we feel the greatest success is achieved when classrooms implement research-based components from a variety of philosophies, methodologies, and theories to provide a superior learning environment that meets the needs of all children. Here are the philosophies, methodologies, and theories Aprende con Amigos embodies as well as a links to learn more about them.
Teaching philosophies, theories, and methodologies
Gardner, Multiple Intelligence Theory
Argues
that there are at least seven intelligences that are independent from each
other and each intelligence has its own strengths and constraints.
Reggio Emilia
An approach where the classroom environment
is considered a third teacher. Student interests drive the curriculum
and teachers use documentation, discussions, and reflection to develop critical
thinking skills, provide effective evaluation, demonstrate appreciation
for their efforts, and leave a record for parents and teachers to view and
learn from.
High/Scope Preschool Curriculum
Teachers and students
are partners in the learning process. Space and materials are carefully
arranged to promote learning, a consistent routine provides predictability
and security, and curriculum is built around content areas.
Montessori Philosophy
Encourages multi-age environments and
provides opportunities for children to learn at their own pace through
self-directed, self-correcting activities.
Waldorf Philosophy
Provides a natural, loving and creative
environment where teachers focus on domestic, practical and artistic activities
that center on nature, and the changing seasons.
Krashen’s theory of language acquisition
- Focuses on meaningful interaction rather than learning rules and error correction to acquire language.
- The teacher must organize input that is comprehensible to children using effective strategies and methods.
- Students must be relaxed and motivated for language acquisition to occur (low affective-filter).
Sheltered Instruction
An approach that supports development of content-area
knowledge, academic skills and increased proficiency using scaffolding strategies,
activating prior knowledge, and lesson adaptation.
