New
research shows that Steiner students learn with more enthusiasm and
interest, feel more supported, and know their strengths better than
students in mainstream schools. The
survey of educational experiences of Steiner pupils was done by three experts: scientific co-worker Sylvia Liebenwein, Professor Heiner
Barz, both of the University of Düsseldorf, and Dirk
Randoll, professor at the Alanus-Hochschule. It examines the educational experiences of
Steiner students age 15-18 in Germany. 80% of Steiner students find
their learning fun (compared to 67%). 85% find the environment
supportive (compared to 60%). The relationship with teachers is judged
significantly better at 65% compared to 31%. Andreas Schleicher, education expert and international co-ordinator of the Programme for
International Student Assessment (Pisa) wrote an informative foreword to the survey. Schleicher praised the
emphasis on personal responsibility and self-motivation, preparing
children for the life that awaits them after graduation. "There is a
high degree of congruence between the requirements of the modern world
and what is taught to Steiner students," said Andreas Schleicher.
"Remembering facts has less and less importance", the important thing was "to have creative and solution-oriented
knowledge that you can apply to new areas". A wide range of experts,
students and teachers agree that the optimal learning environment is one
with a high degree of initiative, a lot of creative freedom and a high
level of student support. The study showed that providing students
with motivating performance feedback and the opportunity to learn
together and from each other, as in Steiner Schools, are the elements
for a successful modern education. You can use Google translate
to translate the article from German...
