Date of Award

2022

Degree Name

Curriculum and Instruction

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Edna Meisel, Committee Chairperson

Second Advisor

Dr. Stan Maynard

Third Advisor

Dr. Kimberly McFall

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Joy Faini Saab

Abstract

Each year, hundreds of early childhood educators from the many parts of the world travel to a small town in the northern part of Italy to study the arts-based, project focused, a child-initiated method known as the Reggio Emilia approach. This unique approach focuses on infant-toddler through preschool and primary education. While teachers are engaged in professional learning and growth, it is hard to determine how many early childhood programs and classrooms are truly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. The purpose of this study was to explore and examine the experiences of five teachers from West Virginia who have implemented the Reggio Emilia approach in early childhood. This study examined the question: How is the Reggio Emilia approach being implemented by educators in both the public and private school settings and what are the challenges and supports that occur during implementation? The study revealed educators value this type of experiential learning and project work for children. There are critical supports that need to be in place to ensure effective implementation such as administrative and collegial support. The data also show that barriers such as curriculum mandates and other regulations make this type of implementation difficult. Also, children show great learning leaps when experiencing this type of learning approach. Future research recommendations include studying children longitudinally who have experienced a Reggio-inspired classroom environment to determine long-lasting impacts.

Subject(s)

Reggio Emilia approach (Early childhood education) – Study and teaching -- West Virginia -- Huntington.

Reggio Emilia approach (Early childhood education) – Study and teaching -- West Virginia -- Chapmanville.

Reggio Emilia approach (Early childhood education) – Study and teaching -- West Virginia -- Wheeling.

Reggio Emilia approach (Early childhood education) – Study and teaching -- West Virginia -- Morgantown.

Reggio Emilia approach (Early childhood education) – Study and teaching – West Virginia -- Harrison County.

Child development – West Virginia

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