Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
The program aims to incorporate Waldorf education methods into teacher training by blending practical implementation, international collaboration, and action learning. Strategies include integrating Waldorf curriculum principles into courses, encouraging dialogues and demonstrations from experienced educators, and facilitating observational internships in Waldorf institutions. Challenges identified include modern students' unfamiliarity with the sensory and spiritual elements of Waldorf education, creating an environment conducive to deep learning amidst a fast-paced, competitive landscape. The program seeks to inspire teacher trainees by promoting a deeper appreciation for humanity, nature, and beauty. Feedback indicates high satisfaction, with over 90% reporting personal growth. Participants emphasized a rekindling of their imagination about education and felt motivated to engage in meaningful educational work, recognizing the aesthetic and transformative potential of teaching. Overall, the initiative effectively fosters connection and reflection on fundamental educational values.
Results/Contributions

1. Strategy

(1) Integrate the practical implementation and dialogue of Waldorf特色課程 (Waldorf特色課程) into the curriculum to enhance the internal and external abilities of teacher trainees, incorporating the core elements of the Waldorf curriculum into teacher training courses.

(2) By connecting with the practical field of Waldorf education, invite international or local Waldorf educators to share dialogues or conduct teaching demonstrations either in-class or online. Arrangements can also be made for teacher trainees to observe, intern, and practice at Waldorf schools/institutions both domestically and abroad.

(3) Through action learning, allow teacher trainees to achieve inner growth from personal practice, integrating the principles and practices of Waldorf education into their future courses and teaching.

(4) Develop collaborative learning and communication among Waldorf educators, university teacher trainers, and teacher trainees, promoting sharing and dialogue between the Waldorf community and mainstream education community.


2. Challenges/Innovations

(1) The natural, bodily sensory, artistic, and spiritual aspects of Waldorf education are relatively lacking and unfamiliar experiences for modern university students. Whether in workshops or camps, it is essential to create a natural and relaxed atmosphere to guide participants to integrate seamlessly.

(2) In a competitive environment that emphasizes speed, quantity, and strength, modern individuals have become exhausted, fatigued, superficial, and have lost meaning and appetite for learning, especially teacher trainees. The challenge of this program lies in creating conditions for a slower, lesser, quieter, and deeper experience to awaken the senses and hearts of teacher trainees, fostering a renewed appreciation for humanity, nature, and beauty. A significant challenge is that students often lack sufficient time and find it hard to coordinate various activities.

(3) In today’s educational environment, the elemental features of Waldorf education closely connect to humanity and health. Under the ambience and guidance of instructors, participants quickly relax and engage, experiencing profound beauty, strength, and emotion.

(4) Insight and exploration into the essence of education, human nature, and the nature of life, while perhaps not commonly labeled as "educational innovation," are indeed relatively deficient in mainstream education. This program precisely supplements this aspect, with numerous participants reporting a revival in their imagination regarding humanity and education, as well as renewed confidence and expectations for truth, goodness, and beauty.

(5) Participants generally feel that education holds beauty and infinite possibilities, and they fully anticipate engaging in educational work.


3. Quantitative/Qualitative Outcomes

(1) A total of 86 individuals participated, among which 57 were teacher trainees. Satisfaction and indications of growth were reported by over 90% of participants.

(2) Participants experienced the essence of Waldorf education deeply through body and senses, guided by experienced Waldorf instructors from both domestic and international backgrounds. In subsequent reflections and dialogues, they rethought the essence of education and the meaning and original intention of becoming educators.



Keywords
Waldorf Education, core elements, sensitivity, willpower, teacher trainees
References
Media Information
Contact Information
王智弘
ch.wang@mx.nthu.edu.tw