Skip to main content

Believing in the Power of the Child: Reggio Recognizing the Affective

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Revisiting EFL Assessment

Part of the book series: Second Language Learning and Teaching ((SLLT))

  • 1416 Accesses

Abstract

In today’s globalized world, educators face complex challenges. These challenges demand educators to be more outward-looking. We must keep in mind growing intolerance among communities. When educators rely on predetermined sets of ‘competencies’ to be acquired through rote memorization, they deny children opportunities to develop critical thinking and creativity. Such practices deprive children opportunities to learn in a collaborative, reflective manner. In examination systems that contribute to a strong desire for grades, real objectives of education are seldom achieved. Assessment for learning encompasses all factors influencing a student’s learning. Assessment is more than test results quantified. Good assessment practices must collect student’s data and make sense of it and use it to change teaching and learning in a positive direction. There is a need for innovations in curriculum, enabling all children to become successful learners and confident individuals. My research explores whether schools can become centres of curricular innovation. My paper presents a small scale research project based upon the Reggio philosophy. My narrative describes the Reggio approach to early childhood education and explores aspects of this approach adapted to the Pakistani context. I particularly focus on portfolios and documentation as means of assessment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abramson, S., Seda, I., & Johnson, C. (1990). Literacy development in a multi lingual kindergarten classroom. Childhood Education, 67(2), 68–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arter, J. A., & Spandel, V. (1991). Using portfolios of students’ work in instructions and assessment. Education Measurement: Issues and Practices, 11(1), 34–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asturias, H. (1994). Using student’s portfolios to assessment, mathematical understanding. The Mathematics Teachers, 87(9), 698–701.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baki, A., & Birgin, O. (2004). Reflections of using computer-based portfolios as an alternative assessment tools: A case study. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (TOJET), 3(3), 79–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton, C., & Collins, A. (1997). Portfolio assessment: A handbook for educators. New York: Dale Seymour Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birgin, O. (2003). Investigation of the application level of a computer-based portfolio. Unpublished master’s thesis, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, M. G. (1993). In search of understanding: The case for constructivist classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carl, R. (1983a). Dialogues: Conversations with Martin Buber, Paul Tillich, B.F. Skinner, Gregory Bateson, Michael Polanyi, Rollo May, and other. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ciari, B. (1950). In dialogue with Reggio Emilia: Listening, researching and learning. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, H. (1992a). Manifesto for learning. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole, M. (1996). Handbook of early childhood literacy. New York: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A. (1992b). Portfolios in science education: Issue in purpose, structure and authenticity. Science Education, 76(4), 451–463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahlberg, G., Moss, P., & Pence, A. R. (1999). Beyond quality in early childhood education and care: Postmodern perspectives. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Fina, A. A. (1992). Portfolio assessment: Getting started. New York: Scholastic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York: MacMillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewey, J. (1997). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. New York: Simon & Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dochy, F. (2001). A new assessment era: Different needs, new challenges. Research Dialogue in Learning and Instruction, 10(1), 11–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, C. (1993). Partner, nurturer, and guide: The roles of the Reggio teacher in action. In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education (pp. 151–169). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (1998). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach—advanced reflections. Portsmouth: Greenwood Publishing Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Enright, D. S., & McCloskey, M. (1985). Integrating English. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ersoy, F. (2006). Opinions of teacher candidates as to the portfolio assessment. Elementary Education Online, 5(1), 85–89. Retrieved from http://ilkogretim-online.org.tr.

  • Fiksdal, S. (2001). A guide to teaching effective seminars: Conversation, identity, and power. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandini, L. (1998a). Educational and caring spaces. In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education (pp. 161–178). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandini, L., & Goldhaber, J. (2001). Two reflections about documentation. In Lella Gandini & Carolyn Edwards (Eds.), Bambini: The Italian approach to infant-toddler care (pp. 124–145). New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandini, L. (1998b). Educational and caring spaces. In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, Advanced Reflections (pp. 161–178). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. London: Heinemann.

    Google Scholar 

  • Genishi, C., Yung-Chan, D., & Stires, S. (2000). Talking their way into print: English language learners in a pre-kindergarten classroom. In D. S. Strickland & L. M. Morrow (Eds.), Beginning reading and writing (pp. 66–80). New York: Teachers College Press, Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gussie, W. F., & Wright, R. (1999). Assessment of the implementation of portfolio assessment in K-8 school districts in New Jersey. Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Educational Research Association, Hilton Head, SC. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED429996).

    Google Scholar 

  • Katz, L. (1998). What can we learn from Reggio Emilia? In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach—Advanced reflections (2nd ed., pp. 27–45). Westport, CT: Ablex Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klenowski, V. (2000). Portfolios: Promoting teaching assessment in education. Police & Practice, 7(2), 215–236.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koretz, D., Stecher, B., Klein, S., & McCaffrey, D. (1994). The Vermont portfolio assessment program: Findings and implications. Education Measurement: Issues and Practice, 13(5), 5–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhs, T. (1994). Portfolio assessment: Making it work for the first time. The Mathematics Teacher, 87(5), 332–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kvale, S. (Ed.). (1992). Psychology and postmodernism. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luke, A. (2002). Curriculum, ethics, metanarrative: Teaching and learning beyond the nation. Curriculum Perspectives, 22, 29–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maher, F. A., & Tetreault, M. K. (1994). The feminist classroom. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malaguzzi, L. (1993). For an education based on relationships. Young Children, 49(1), 9–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Micklo, S. J. (1997). Math portfolio in the primary grades. Childhood Education, 97, 194–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mullin, J. A. (1998). Portfolios: Purposeful collections of student work. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 74, 74–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mumme, J. (1991). Portfolio assessment in mathematics. California mathematics project. Santa Barbara: University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norman, K. M. (1998). Investigation of the portfolios as an alternative assessment procedure. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The University of Memphis, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oken-Wright, Pam. (2001). Documentation: Both mirror and light. Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Exchange, 8(4), 5–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palgrave, F (2002). Golden Treasury, Oxford Paperbacks; 6 New Ed edition.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paulson, F. L., Paulson, P. R., & Meyer, C. A. (1991). What makes a portfolio a portfolio? Educational Leadership, 48(5), 60–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peckham, M. (1976). Romanticism and behaviour: Collected essays II. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piaget, J. (1969) The psychology of the child (H. Weaver, Trans.). New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Popham, W. J. (2009). Unlearned lessons: Six stumbling blocks to our school’s success. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rinaldi, C. (2001). Reggio Emilia: The image of the child and the child’s environment as a fundamental principle. In Lella Gandini & Carolyn Edwards (Eds.), Bambini: The Italian approach to infant-toddler care (pp. 49–54). New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, C. (1983). Freedom to Learn for the 80s. New York: Merrill Wright.

    Google Scholar 

  • Romberg, T. A. (1993). How one comes to know models and theories of the learning of mathematics. In M. Niss (Ed.), Investigations into Assessment in Mathematics Education (pp. 97–111). Netherlands: Kluver Academic Publishers.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ropers-Huilman, B. (1998). Feminist teaching in theory and practice: Situating power and knowledge in poststructural classrooms. New York: Teachers College.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sewell, M., Marczak, M., & Horn, M. (2002). The use of portfolio assessment in evaluation. Retrieved January 10, 2002, from http://ag.arizona.edu./fcr/fs/cyfar/portfolio3.html.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shephard, K. (2009). Higher education for sustainability: Seeking affective learning outcomes. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 9(1), 87–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiggins, R. J. (2005). Student-involved assessment for learning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stecher, B. (1998). The local benefits and burdens of large-scale portfolio assessment. Education: Principles, Polices & Practice, 5(3), 335–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, R. B. (1997). Developing habits of environmental thoughtfulness through the in-depth study of select environmental issues. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 2, 183–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky, L. (1978). Readings for reflective teaching. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1962). Thought and language. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. B. (1996). Constructivist learning environments: Case studies in instructional design. New Jersey: Educational Technology.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nayyer Iqbal Ali Chandella .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

See Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2 Language and literacy
Table 3 Table ‎3 Projects based learning: children busy at work

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Chandella, N.I.A. (2017). Believing in the Power of the Child: Reggio Recognizing the Affective. In: Al-Mahrooqi, R., Coombe, C., Al-Maamari, F., Thakur, V. (eds) Revisiting EFL Assessment. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32601-6_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32601-6_16

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-32599-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-32601-6

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics