We begin this new year with a series of leading thoughts. An international group of 14 experienced educators offer their perspectives on 'The First Teachers’ Course' (two contributions are already online!). Today, these historic courses form the basis of Waldorf Education and also include the notes of Rudolf Steiner's lectures: 'The Foundations of Human Experience', 'Practical Advice to Teachers' and 'Discussions with Teachers' from 1919. In addition, this tenth edition of the newsletter offers many more topics and articles for all those involved in education.
As editors, we wish you a lot of fun while thinking along!
Florian Osswald, Katharina Stemann
Day 1: The art of education as a continuation of life before
birth Thoughts on 'The First Teachers Course' On the eve of the first teachers course, Rudolf Steiner looks at the burning questions of the time and states that it is the task of the Waldorf School to develop ever-renewing cultural impulses for education which are oriented towards the development of the child... more
Day 2: The human being as a breath of the cosmos Thoughts on 'The First Teachers Course' On the second day of his course Rudolf Steiner presents a new psychology in which spirit and body are involved. The resulting question about the middle term of this duality, i.e. about the soul that connects body and spirit, occupies the first days of the lecture course entitled The Foundations of Human Experience... more
Digital change as a societal change We live in a digital world that has become indispensable. Whether we encounter it with uncertainty or enthusiasm is of secondary importance. Robin Schmidt introduces us to this emerging world from a cultural-historical point of view, without bias and with a gift for philosophical reflection... more
Form drawing – a new linear art worldwide Waldorf education resides today on all continents and in numerous cultures. During many visits to Waldorf "colonies" overseas, the question cannot be avoided as to the extent that this Central European cultural impulse is justified for example in India, China or Central and South America, in cultures which suffered or were destroyed through European colonialism....more
"The three-fold step" as foundation to methodologic and didactic teaching A fundamental approach to learning and understanding in Waldorf pedagogy was developed by Rudolf Steiner. It is connected to the logical steps of: observation and conclusions leading to judgement and finally concepts as a methodological foundation to connect in a holistic way to the world around us. Here the inclusion of the night and its role in our well-being plays a vital part... more
Steiner’s Understanding of Puberty as a "Grand Metamorphosis" In this article, the author identifies key aspects of adolescent pedagogy in Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy and considers them in terms of their educational potential. The second part, published here, focuses on the significance of puberty for the process of individuation... more
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