Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
The Training of Waldorf Early Childhood Educators is based on the Anthroposo¬phy, combined with artistic practices, to cultivate students' self-deepening and self-educating ability, and become teachers who practice the spirit of Wal¬dorf education. 1. Curriculum This three-year program is designed by the experienced lecturers from Germany and Taiwan. The curriculum and course contents follows the guidelines for the training of Waldorf Early Childhood Educators of IASWECE (International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education).  Six Areas of Curriculum 1. Anthroposophical Studies and Human Development (20-25%) 2. Child Development and Waldorf Education (20-25%) 3. Practical Activities (20-25%) 4. Artistic and Handwork Activities (20-25%) 5. Professional and Social Aspects of Waldorf Education (10-20%) 6. Mentored teaching, Practicum or Internship 2. Annual Plan  First Year - Fundamental Course Introduce the basic principles of Waldorf education and the practical activities in kindergarten  Second year - Progressive Course Gradually deepen the students’ understanding of Waldorf education practice and theory  Third year - Advanced Course Student develops individual practical project according to mentor’s guide or do internship in the Waldorf kindergarten/institution.
Results/Contributions

1. Curriculum Improvement

This program was designed for two year and started in 2013. In 6 batches, 233 students were trained in total and the course hours reached 612 hours.

 

Since 2020, the curriculum has been restructured based on the guidelines for the training of Waldorf Early Childhood Educators of IASWECE. It becomes a three-year teacher training program. The first batch of students had been recruited, and the course started in July of the same year.

 

2. Current Achievement

In the first year, 45 students signed up with a completion rate of 95% in the end and a total of 168 course hours reached. The number of learners has reached 93 in the third year, and the class is mainly composed of kindergarten teachers and parents of preschool children.

 

The first-year course includes the principles of Anthroposophy, teaching practices, and many arts and crafts activities, allowing students to explore the new knowledge and reflect on the educational issues. In the final presentation, the students gave feedback on how to apply what they learned in the classroom to their life and teaching work.

 

In addition to strengthening the above-mentioned courses, the professional and social aspects of Waldorf education are discussed and studied more deeply in the second-year. The students can clearly realize the necessary abilities and competencies for being a professional kindergarten teacher, and how to practice the concept and spirit of Waldorf education.

 

The advanced course is launched in the third year. Students have been divided into three groups, worked personal project with their mentors, and will be graduating in April, 2023.  Besides, three students completed the practicum which lasts for three weeks and practice knowledge learned in this program.

 

3. Upcoming Course

This course will enroll 50 new students of the next grade (Grade 112) from April this year, and the class is expected to start in June.


4. Sustainable Development Goals

This course attaches great importance to children's education and children's physical and spiritual development under the current social changes. It provides various courses with artistic, ecological and humanistic spirit, and trains learners to view children's development with devotion and love, which is in line with the 4th goal of the 17 SDGs.

Keywords
Waldorf Early Childhood Education Teacher Education Anthroposophy Educator Development
Contact Information
成虹飛
hornfaycherng@gmail.com