What is education?

I so agree about the gnomes! Steiner's work in...

2012-05-14T08:30:56.184-04:00

I so agree about the gnomes! Steiner's work in education does NOT refer to them! They're imported as a proxy for thinking about teaching, too often. (Also, he had lots to say about early childhood development, but little to say about early childhood education--there was a kindergarten at the Waldorf School for only about 6 months of Steiner's life, closed to make more room for elementary school children, I believe. And it's in the Waldorf early childhood that gnomes take the most abuse. Free the gnomes!)

If I could change one thing about Waldorf educatio...

2012-05-13T23:55:31.345-04:00

If I could change one thing about Waldorf education it would be...
gratuitous gnomes
Why must gnomes be everywhere?

If I could change more than one thing...
I'd find a way to lower tuition, engage dads more, increase humility while decreasing hubris, celebrate holidays that have nothing to do with Christianity or Germany, make eurythmists smile while performing and maybe even wiggle their hips once in a while... and still address the burning issue of gnome overdoses.

No system is perfect. No person is perfect. As in ...

2012-05-11T17:01:36.542-04:00

No system is perfect. No person is perfect. As in choosing a life partner, you find the system whose flaws you can most abide. I'd rather strive toward a better understanding of "Waldorf" than any other education. As I tell my colleagues, I'll take the Waldorf crazies over the other crazies any day; the difference is in the intent.

I would say strengthen the connection among all sc...

2012-05-11T16:56:09.160-04:00

I would say strengthen the connection among all schools and more effectively nourish collaboration, cooperation, and dialogue.

I would make people walk the talk, especially when...

2012-05-10T14:17:24.993-04:00

I would make people walk the talk, especially when it came to "sharpen thy feeling for responsibility of soul" -- although open-mindedness, positivity and the rest of the virtues / exercises are pretty important too.
Just imagine!

That's quite an idea, Margaret. I choose an al...

2012-05-09T21:18:49.194-04:00

That's quite an idea, Margaret. I choose an alternative education for my kids but somehow I'll be forced to attend mandatory classes?!!? I don't think that will go over too well with most of the waldorfmommies I know. :)

Personally, I like the fact that the school respects my intelligence and autonomy enough not to require anything of that nature. Resources are there (and elsewhere) if I want them. Its up to me and I think that is the only appropriate way for adults to deal with other adults.

Great question! Offer mandatory on going classes f...

2012-05-09T17:22:45.922-04:00

Great question!
Offer mandatory on going classes for parents that fully explains Steiner's Anthroposphy. Disclose how Anthroposophy impacts teachers and how/what/why they teach to the children.

"what's the use of being a "spiriuta...

2012-05-09T16:06:45.750-04:00

"what's the use of being a "spiriutal warrior" if one turns and runs back to the castle at the first sign of an approaching dragon?"

or, worse, tries to defeat the dragon with a Rube Goldberg machine when all is needed is a deft stroke from a well-hewn sword!

I'd say "loose the weirdness", but s...

2012-05-09T14:27:19.560-04:00

I'd say "loose the weirdness", but someone else already beat me to it ;)

what I'd change, first and foremost, would be the means by which "Waldorf" (and we know this means a wide spectrum of different entities) engages with the world at large - meaning that it needs must shed the insular quality that often underwrites its perspective; this often comes across as either elitism or flakeyness (for lack of a better term); I think it needs to establish itself in a more pro-active and robust manner: what's the use of being a "spiriutal warrior" if one turns and runs back to the castle at the first sign of an approaching dragon?
similarly, I'd build in more tolerance for students who express themselves in a way that may not coincide with the school's belief system: rather than recoiling in horror for betrayal of the orthodoxy, teachers should actively and compassionately engage students in a way that doesn't suppress what might be a perfectly reasonable set of behaviors (this is, for certain, a rather vague point, but I think specifics can be filled in rather easily)
Waldorf education has a great many things to offer - it facilitates the individual's realization of themselves as such - but this means that when fully realized, that individual may not in fact "conform" to the spiritual ontology proposed by Steiner - but what could be more of a liberating philosophy than one that allows the student to reject it, and actively supporting this as well, in a way! I think that Krishnamurti hit the nail on the head with his "Truth is a Pathless Land" address, and I think that in the context of allowing for the freedom of the individual to shine through, Waldorf can be a wonderful platform for nurturing this sort of self-realization;

so I suppose I would change the way Waldorf deals with the "inconsistencies" it encounters, both from within and without;

that said, despite what some may think, I am very "pro-Waldorf", but I don't think it is above improvement; however, I do believe that it stands out as one of the few bastions of true thoughtfulness in a world that is quickly devolving into a "bread and circuses" mentality...

If I could change one thing about my Waldorf educa...

2012-05-08T22:26:31.142-04:00

If I could change one thing about my Waldorf education it would be to remove any concept of copying-as-learning -- copying from the blackboard, from teachers' notes, from books. As a replacement, I would add in practice studying. Although I already had a graduate degree by the time I attended law school, it wasn't until then that I met an engineer and fellow law student who showed me how hard she worked to learn concepts by studying. It was a revelation to me that I could learn by practice, articulating what I did and did not understand, and by asking and answering difficult questions in my own words. In my high school we never learned how to study; it was mysterious and we were supposed to copy more than discuss or question. For me, that kind of mysterious learning made me feel like I was in the hands of fate vis a vis what I was "good" at and what I struggled with, instead of learning to work harder at things that were harder for me.

If I could change one thing about Waldorf Educatio...

2012-05-08T20:26:24.076-04:00

If I could change one thing about Waldorf Education it would be…

for the most influential people in the Waldorf movement to contend with the inherent difficulties of having your educational method supported by esoteric, as well as exoteric, forms of knowledge. Most of the time I think proponents and opponents get way too wrapped up in the details of the Anthroposophical worldview, overlooking that what is really going on is an epistemological clash between people who are open to working with many ways of knowing and those who have a more unified epistemological stance. The way I see it, there should be no reason that a sound education cannot be built upon a foundation of multiple ways of knowing. In fact I am involved in Waldorf ed (as a parent) because I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of doing so. On the other hand, proponents must acknowledge that this is a highly atypical way for anybody to be working these days. Any field of practice that draws on something more (or different from) a positivist epistemology will have trouble describing and justifying itself. This is not something to be taken personally; its an inherent part of working in a world that already has a hegemonic worldview. In short, Waldorf Education needs to stop acting as if it is *not* an ongoing critique of this way of knowing and start making pragmatic arguments for why this path is both necessary and beneficial for better student outcomes.

I agree with Kris - it is yes to all the above. Th...

2012-05-08T12:30:10.677-04:00

I agree with Kris - it is yes to all the above. Though it likely shows through in greater or less areas depending on the individual who is exhibiting the rigidity.

It may also be a question of how the new parent interprets the intention of the veteran parent/teacher. How does a teacher give a parent advice without seeming rigid and dogmatic, yet still come across as a natural authority?

Waldorf education is formed by the thousands of pe...

2012-05-08T12:20:16.868-04:00

Waldorf education is formed by the thousands of people involved in its daily evolution. It is hampered by thousands of individual karmas living out their purpose, working through their life, growing into something new that will ultimately take centuries and multiple lifetimes to become what any one individual strives for today. To ask for one thing in the midst of all the layers upon layers that make up Waldorf Education is like asking for the answer to life, the universe and everything. Oh wait a minute - isn't that 42?

When I apply this question to just one Waldorf school, even then I find it impossible to come up with one thing I would change. In all fairness, I should say that I don't even think changing 100 things in that school would provide any better of a Waldorf Education.

I suppose, if I were being impatient, which I have a tendency to be - I would change the people. If I could orchestrate a Deus ex Machina it would be that the human beings involved in Waldorf Education find their way to being fully human. However, I wonder if I were confronted with an instant and abiding change into my full humanity - would I survive the transformation?

This post is elegant like a haiku. Very nicely do...

2012-05-07T11:54:09.167-04:00

This post is elegant like a haiku.

Very nicely done. A+.

Living at the core of Waldorf education is Rudolf...

2012-05-04T18:58:55.953-04:00

Living at the core of Waldorf education is Rudolf Steiner's Philosophy Of Freedom. It can be a difficult read though. A new online “Philosophy Of Freedom Study Course” is available at philosophyoffreedom (dot) com. Its free and includes videos, illustrations, observation exercises and diagrams to help study the book. In this book Rudolf Steiner gives his principles of free thinking and morality. It empowers one's life through deepening scientific inquiry and living according to one's highest ideals.

I don't have quotations at my fingertips, but ...

2012-05-03T13:18:57.904-04:00

I don't have quotations at my fingertips, but Steiner was often dismissive of dialectical arguments (although complimentary of Aquinas's, Schiller's and others). My recollection is that he associated dialectics with old "intellectual age" reasoning, and found it not a path to the synthetic "living thinking" he advocated.

"In theory there is no difference between the...

2012-05-03T10:29:44.774-04:00

"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." -- YogiBerra

Every educational system has a kind of translational space between the codified theory and how it is practiced. What the US public schools are trying to do in their quest for standardization is close that gap as much as our human and technological capacities will allow. Waldorf, being a "methodless method," tries to open that gap as wide as it can go. In so doing it is local, contingent and has the great possibility for being transformative. But its only as good as the sources of capital it draws upon (human, intellectual, economic, cultural). Personally, I think the latter way is the best way to practice education but that does not mean there is nothing to be learned from the former. In fact, the excesses of one approach are easily identified by understanding the other approach.

Maybe someone else can chime in with Steiner's thoughts concerning dialectical reasoning. I am sure he has something interesting to say.

On that note, however, I would like to point out how Steiner and his comrades were working with a much broader foundation of ideas than the American waldorf movement seems to do today. In Steiner's day, whatever he said was always received and interpreted in terms of a broader understanding of the classical and modern philosophers. Because it was a broader conversation---every day---I think there was more space for transformation. As insightful as Steiner may have been he still 'stood upon the shoulders of giants' as they say. What we need today is to fashion a broad discussion that suits our times and within which Steiner's thought can exist. Collectively, I don't see this happening nearly as much as it could or should even though I have seen some individual teachers do this well. Returning to one person's ideas---no matter how encompassing and good-- is not the way to continue to innovate and inspire. Did Socrates say it all? Plato? Goethe? Einstein? No. How depressing would that be and how contrary to anthroposophic thought as well. If its been indicated before, what possible reason do any of us have for being here?

So glad I found this post. I completely agree. As ...

2012-05-02T06:30:43.818-04:00

So glad I found this post. I completely agree. As a former Waldorf teacher, I had the critics and the fans read my story and they both thought I was on their side.

I understand your point of view. And it has inspired my next post. Thanks!

Three cheers for this post. It is brilliant!

2012-05-01T15:47:42.786-04:00

Three cheers for this post. It is brilliant!

The brief answer is, imperfectly. "Waldorf&qu...

2012-05-01T14:00:40.287-04:00

The brief answer is, imperfectly. "Waldorf" does too often try to give the impression of perfection, to its own detriment. I believe that schools generally do try, are trying, to deal with these issues. I'm not sure what the "Waldorf organization" is--AWSNA in America? If so, it has relatively little impact, positive or negative, on daily practice in Waldorf schools. And this is true of critics, too...

of course, regardless of what you believe, you hav...

2012-05-01T13:38:28.880-04:00

of course, regardless of what you believe, you have the reality that takes place in the schools. Is waldorf dealing with those teachers and schools that practice waldorf in the way you wouldn't agree with? (And probably wouldn't agree with either.) If critics weren't explaining what they think goes wrong, then who would? Frankly, I don't see much self-criticism from the waldorf organisation itself. I see waldorf constantly trying to pretend everything is perfect. Well, that is my impression.

Heart Warming, Steve. Especially since my own 15-y...

2012-04-13T21:26:41.744-04:00

Heart Warming, Steve. Especially since my own 15-year-old son seems to struggle with some of the same issues.

It also reminds me how important it is to meditate on these challenging children...and to develop the ability to hear and follow our inspirations.

@Monica. I recommend the book highly. Steve prob...

2012-03-27T13:20:21.575-04:00

@Monica.

I recommend the book highly. Steve probably doesn't want to overly promote his own book here but I know I'd enjoy a book discussion!

I think the book's emphasis on generations is very important for understanding individual schools and the American movement as a whole. All of the local contingencies Steve describes in this blog post occurred at other schools in their forming as well. (By this I mean that each school had *unique* local contingencies.) This is a crucial point for anyone who wants to understand Waldorf Education in the United States.

But the aspect of the book that I appreciated most was Steve's refusal to reify The Waldorf School. The argument can be found here as well: http://southerncrossreview.org/68/sagarin-waldorf.htm

I find this argument subtle and refreshing. It would be very helpful if more Waldorfians became familiar with the distinctions that he makes (even if they don't agree) so that we may better work with this "methodless method." Chapter 8 ("Playing Steiner Says") is also a gem too.

I hope I haven't offered too many "spoilers." Every Waldorf school should have a copy of this book.

Thanks, Dana, for your praise, confidence, patienc...

2012-03-24T20:52:00.096-04:00

Thanks, Dana, for your praise, confidence, patience, and help...

~Nearing the end of our three years ( and 2 daught...

2012-03-24T20:39:55.525-04:00

~Nearing the end of our three years ( and 2 daughter's high school graduations) at GBWHS, I must take this opportunity to give my heartfelt endorsement of this really fine experiment called the Great Barrington Waldorf High School. Every endeavor has it's quirks. Every venture outside the dull every day of predictable middle america, has it's own set of obstacles. Yet we will leave this school in the full satisfaction of knowing that our daughters could not have received a better or a wider view of the world anywhere else.

To teach is to learn and to learn is to teach. Steve's details about grade combination speak to the interesting if unintentional adoption of a more Montessori style. As a life long Montessori student, teacher and enthusiast...My view is that Waldorf could use more Montessori and Montessori could use some Waldorf...(woops...ideaology, sorry Steve!) that, to me would represent the highest educational enlightenment...and we begin to touch the skirts of that ideal at GBWHS...always something to strive for!

This subject is a bottomless mine of inspiration and opportunity...Our children are an endless and beautiful canvas upon which to dab our loving paint...My parenthood has been enhanced by choosing such a school to nurture the fundamental values and deep philosophical base that will make my daughters thrive as wise and compassionate adults.

No lesser degree of commitment on the part of every community member could have created such a place. Small schools are a gift to the thinking parent.

With deepest gratitude,
DJR

What is education?

I so agree about the gnomes! Steiner's work in...

If I could change one thing about Waldorf educatio...

No system is perfect. No person is perfect. As in ...

I would say strengthen the connection among all sc...

I would make people walk the talk, especially when...

That's quite an idea, Margaret. I choose an al...

Great question! Offer mandatory on going classes f...

"what's the use of being a "spiriuta...

I'd say "loose the weirdness", but s...

If I could change one thing about my Waldorf educa...

If I could change one thing about Waldorf Educatio...

I agree with Kris - it is yes to all the above. Th...

Waldorf education is formed by the thousands of pe...

This post is elegant like a haiku. Very nicely do...

Living at the core of﻿ Waldorf education is Rudolf...

I don't have quotations at my fingertips, but ...

"In theory there is no difference between the...

So glad I found this post. I completely agree. As ...

Three cheers for this post. It is brilliant!

The brief answer is, imperfectly. "Waldorf&qu...

of course, regardless of what you believe, you hav...

Heart Warming, Steve. Especially since my own 15-y...

@Monica. I recommend the book highly. Steve prob...

Thanks, Dana, for your praise, confidence, patienc...

~Nearing the end of our three years ( and 2 daught...

Living at the core of Waldorf education is Rudolf...