Children and teachers as researchers: individual and group learning

This chapter reviews the concept of children and teachers as researchers and the ways in which research is viewed as an ordinary, everyday process rather than a specialised activity. The principles that underpin group learning are discussed and the use of large-, medium- and small-group arrangements is illustrated with reference to a group of preschool-age children. The importance of group learning has, as its philosophical base, the belief that multiple perspectives, of other children and of adults, add value to the learning of the individual; and that collegiality, co-operation and teamwork are vital skills for life. Group learning is valued for the many opportunities it provides for developing the skills of listening, expressing ideas, negotiating, resolving conflict and problem solving. In Reggio, the concept of group learning has been developed in a particular way to support the philosophy and the pedagogy. Documentation provides a means of capturing the processes of individual and group learning.