A Project-Based Approach in Child Education: Reggio Emilia

Abstract

In this study, the Reggio Emilia Approach, which emerged in Italy and brought a new perspective on education, was examined in many aspects. The first part of the study included information on the creation process of this approach. The second part gave information on the conception that led to the creation of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The other parts of the study included information about the application of this approach. Those parts of the study also presented the differences of the Reggio Emilia Approach from other educational approaches. In this study it was concluded that the Reggio Emilia Approach had clear differences from other educational approaches because it was project-based. Unlike the traditional educational systems, the Reggio Emilia Approach does not use any predetermined curriculums. The main element that shapes this approach is the project technique. In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the children develop projects according to their own areas of interest; therefore, this approach uses a “curriculum developed by children” instead of a “curriculum prepared for children”. Considering this aspect, it was concluded that the Reggio Emilia Approach could be qualified as a project-based educational approach.