West Virginia University students and faculty joined other educators across the state in the College of Human Resources and Education’s annual international education program, the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Fourteen participants traveled to Italy to experience the world-renowned teaching philosophies that are the standard in the Italian community of Reggio Emilia April 10-22.

“The program establishes a grassroots effort to support innovative educational practices in West Virginia pre-K and elementary school classrooms,” said Dr. Joy Faini Saab, director of the Office for Diversity and Global Initiatives at the WVU College of Human Resources and Education. “Past participants have reported that this experience is transformative to their teaching.”

WVU participants were graduate students Ashley Finnish (Early Childhood Education) and Michele Kelly (Secondary Education) and HR&E faculty members
Beth Satterfield and Dr. Melissa Sherfinski. Other participants were: preschool teachers Brea Wiles, Kerri Mayo and Tara Beth Brumfield; Joan Adkins, parent and Cabell County Pre-K Community Collaboration Coordinator; Dr. Erin Brumbaugh, Dr. Michael Doig and Denice Reese, faculy members from Davis and Elkins College; Leanne Grace, director, Hildebrandt Learning Centers; and Karen Dunkerley, a faculty member from Alderson Broaddus College.

The Reggio Emilia Approach is grounded in a philosophy that integrates multidimensional learning around teamwork, creative and critical thinking, problem solving, experiential learning and artistic expression. Participants learned these practices in a group of about 200 educators from around the world during this English translation session which includes direct work in the schools.

“Joining the Reggio Emilia international study is a life-changing experience. Educators will see a different culture of childhood,” Saab said. “It changes the way of looking at the child as a capable and responsible learner within the culture. It’s a transforming experience.”

For more information, contact Dr. Joy Faini Saab at 304-293-4084 or joy.saab@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

4/18/12

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CONTACT: Christie Zachary, Human Resources and Education
304-293-5703, christie.zachary@mail.wvu.edu