Anthroposophic Education: Whole Education #1

In this fast changing world we need an education system that educates the whole human being. Anthroposophic education, also known as Waldorf education, is a holistic approach that enriches head, heart and hands. This education philosophy was started by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century and combines intellectual rigour, artistic expression and practical skills to produce well educated and emotionally and ethically intelligent individuals.

History

Anthroposophic education started in 1919 with the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany. Steiner was asked by the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory to start a progressive school for the children of his workers. The school was the first to develop equal capacities in intellectual, artistic and practical areas.

Since then this model has spread and now over a thousand Waldorf schools worldwide show that an education that combines creativity, critical thinking and character development is enduring and effective.

Principles of Whole Education

Whole Child: At its heart anthroposophic education is about nurturing the whole child. It puts the arts on the same level as sciences and maths, so intellectual development is alongside emotional and spiritual growth. This integrated approach means education is a seamless continuum that reflects the whole human being.

Developmental Alignment: The curriculum is designed to match the natural development of the child. It uses the child’s natural learning styles at each stage: young children learn through imitation and play, middle childhood learns through arts and storytelling and adolescence through challenges to their critical thinking and empathy.

Busting Myths and Making it Modern

Myth Busting: Anthroposophic education doesn’t shun modern education. Modern Waldorf schools are dynamic hubs of innovation, combining tradition with modernity to prepare students for life not just for standardised tests.

Dynamic Education: Unlike education systems that often stagnate with rote memorisation and repetitive testing, anthroposophic education is dynamic, developing resilience, adaptability and moral fibre – the qualities we need to succeed in a changing world.

Dealing with Criticisms and Innovations

Dealing with Criticism: Anthroposophic education is sometimes criticised for its approach to technology and Steiner’s spiritual science theories. But many Waldorf schools are finding ways to thoughtfully integrate modern technology and align with current research while staying true to the philosophy.

Anthroposophic education is an alternative to traditional education by developing the whole child. It produces not just scholars but global citizens who are creative, diverse and act with integrity. As we look at modern education the principles of anthroposophic education give us profound insights into producing not just intelligent but wise and compassionate individuals.

As Torin Finser says “Waldorf education stretches you in all directions – socially, intellectually, physically and artistically – to push you out of your comfort zone and develop the capacities to inspire your students.”

Think about how anthroposophic education can inform your educational approaches and decisions. Next time we’ll look at how to put these principles into practice.