Core

Study on continuity between the preschools and primary schools

of Reggio Emilia

The aim of the research is to gain a deeper understanding of what happens to children in the transition from the context of the preschool, based on a more informal way of learning, to that of the primary school, which in Italy uses a curriculum based primarily on formal learning.

The premise of the research is that knowledge of the teachers’ mental representations is an essential element for understanding the relationship between children and teachers in the different educational contexts.

During 2009-2010, sample lessons were created by preschool and primary school teachers, followed by in-depth interviews on the topics identified as the focal points of the research. In addition, two focus groups were organized with a number of the teachers present at the sample lessons, to carry out a more in-depth investigation of the issues that emerged. The materials and data gathered were then processed as part of a seminar presenting the initial data collected during the 2009-2010 school year.

The analysis of the materials developed and concluded in 2011. The final report on the research is currently being prepared.

Partners

Reggio Children, the Municipality of Reggio Emilia – Service for School, Sport, Society, the Istituzione of the Municipal Infant-toddler Centers and Preschools, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia – VALFOR (Center for research on evaluation, design, and documentation of educational and training processes), State primary schools in Reggio Emilia

The research materials can be downloaded at the website of Centro Valfor at the following page: http://dolly.valfor.unimo.it/