ABSTRACT
A supportive interpersonal climate is essential for active learning, because active learning is a social, interactive process. Thus, the essence of HighScope is the way adults interact with children, and this chapter will take what is the least tangible aspect of the curriculum to show how HighScope has defined concrete strategies to relate principles such as ‘shared control’ to practice. Starting with the nature and effects of different interaction styles, it draws out the key elements of a supportive climate and interaction strategies that encourage active learning. It explains the rationale for using encouragement rather than praise and the six steps in a problem-solving approach to interpersonal conflict, with some scenarios to illustrate what this looks like. From the central principle of active learning, this chapter will go deeper into the aspects of HighScope’s fifth ingredient of ‘support’, or ‘adult scaffolding’.
