An Oasis Of Educational Desert: A Study On Waldolf School

The movement of Waldorf education rose and developed in the early 20^th century as a result of education response in Germany cultural critique movement at that time. It is created by Austria philosopher andAnthroposopher——Rudolf Steiner(1861-1925), based on hisAnthroposophy. With the time passing, Waldorf schools have stood the test of time. It is developed well to be accepted by world as a kind of independent movement during the past 80 years in Europe and America. Even UNESCO has attached importance to Waldorf education. In spite of their importance, the educational field in China has not paid enough attention to them, not less a systematic study on them. Therefore this thesis tries to explore the idea and practice of Waldorf schools, identifying them as an oasis in present education desert, given their weakness in idea and practice.The thesis is divided in four parts, including introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three.The introduction is concerned the reason I chose this theme and the present studies on the Waldorf school in China, summarizing the literatures, pointing out its necessity of research.Chapter 1 has examined the educational idea of Waldorf school with introducing Steiner's life and his works, focusing on his Anthroposophy and his educational thoughts in light of his Anthroposophy. Chapter two have explored the practices of Waldorf Schools based on two case study, concentrating on their curriculum and instructions, on educational leadership (class teacher, frontal teaching); artistic and religious experience (fairy tales, sacred texts, eurhythmics, etc.)and the systematic and ritually-based organization of education and teaching. Chapter three is present as an evaluation of waldorf School with its strengths such as child-oriented and methodically competent teachers;a harmonious school style guaranteed by agreement on the basic pedagogical principles; permanent reflection on the teachers own action at educational conferences and advanced training courses; and an awareness of continuity through the creation of a school tradition. The criticism in its idea and practice are also shown. However the thesis regard the Waldorf school as an oasis in educational desert in the hope that it will flourish in China, at least will influence positively on China education.