A few weeks ago, a group of nine BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care third year students, had the opportunity to visit a number of childcare centres and kindergartens in the Province of Macerata, Italy. The visit was made possible by the Dipartimento delle Scienze di Formazione, a Faculty at the University of Macerata and the Macerata Local Council. During an intensive three day programme, students observed, discussed and shared experiences with professionals leading childcare and kindergarten settings. Our students also presented the assessment systems and pedagogical approaches adopted during their teaching practices in Malta to a number of field placement examiners at the Università di Macerata.
Observing eclectic pedagogical approaches in diverse settings, including in an old people’s home has, as one of the students put it “been an invaluable experience that has broadened our perspectives on early childhood education. Contrasting the educational settings in Malta with those in Macerata highlighted significant differences in approach and philosophy. While Malta undoubtedly has dedicated educators, the emphasis on formal education and rigid disciplinary measures often limits the autonomy and creative exploration afforded to young learners.”
Among the highlights of the visit were the 0-6 early childhood setting built and financed through the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and a State school 3-14 using a Montessori approach through all grades. Students were fascinated by the level of autonomy given to children as well as by the sense of calm and the depth in the level of engagement. At one of the schools, three to six year olds were engaging with Giacomo Leopardi’s poem Il sabato del villaggio with the intent of acquiring the language of emotions and beauty.
Our students expressed their satisfaction that they were able to finally observe in practice the educational approaches that they were introduced to over the past three years at our Faculty of Education, “As we return to Malta, we carry with us not only a deeper understanding of educational theory, but also a newfound inspiration to advocate for more child-centered and holistic approaches to learning. Our experience in Macerata serves as a catalyst for reflection and action, motivating us to strive for educational environments that prioritize the holistic development and well-being of every child."
The study-visit to Macerata was led by Prof. Adrian Gellel, a member of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education.
