[MUSIC] When we visited the Northern Beaches Christian School, we saw an emphasis on the design of learning spaces and the pedagogy that was structured around the students' lives outside of school. The modern day world, which is infused with technology and encompasses instant 24/7 always on communication. We considered research that suggests that their approach maybe key to engaging and motivating the 21st century learner. Not all schools are responding to change in such a way though. In the next few videos, we are going to consider what the benefits might be of resisting such fast change in our children's lives. And although it might seem contradictory, there's plenty of research that supports the benefits of this approach too. Here at the Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, learning and teaching is remarkably different. Steiner schools, also known as Waldorf schools are found all over the world and vary in their interpretation of philosopher Rudolph Steiner's ideas about development and pedagogy which was published a century ago. In Australia, although Steiner schools are independent, the curriculum aligns with state and federal syllabus guidelines. In countries such as New Zealand and the UK, governments fund public sector Steiner schools for parents interested in different approaches to teaching and learning for their children. But despite their popularity, Steiner schools are sometimes still considered to be alternative. And opinions over their effectiveness can be divisive, which is not necessarily a bad thing for a thought-provoking course like this. So, what are your experiences or attitudes towards Steiner education? Let's see if this video influences your opinion. Let's see what Kamaroi's modern interpretation of the Steiner philosophy is all about. [MUSIC] As you can see, in standard education, song and movement are built into every part of the day including the morning greeting here in Kindy. Let's go to another class and see how they're integrating song movement in there. [MUSIC] The arts are integrated into all learning in the Steiner philosophy and learning is fundamentally student-centered and experiential. One is reminded of the philosopher John Dewey's thinking, also from the first half of the 20th century. As early as 1902, Dewey wrote, subject matter never can be got into the child from without. Learning is active, it involves the reaching out of the mind. It involves organic assimilation starting from within. Literally, we must take our stand with the child and our departure from him. In relation to Waldorf education, Jack Petrash observes, quote, the use of art to teach science, writing to teach math, and stories in literature to teach history and geography. With a specific emphasis on the use of music to enhance learning in all aspects of the curriculum. Let's now observe some older students. [MUSIC] The 2005 UK report to inform government policy found that some of the most distinctive features of the Steiner pedagogy are quote, teaching science through observation, imagination. And promoting students' artistic talents with a focus on foreign languages, crafts, handiwork and art. I've chosen Kameroi to compare with the other schools discussed in this course for a few reasons. They're all located here in Sydney, and in a departure from the Northern Beaches Christian School which employed a distinctly new music approach. Kamaroi uses music in every lesson and has a totally different approach toward the use of technology. In addition, the 2005 UK report found little research which systematically compares Steiner and mainstream schools. Suggesting that we are looking at an area of philosophy and pedagogy that does require more exploring. [MUSIC] So the classrooms are vibrant, and the students are definitely engaged, but what about the use of technology? Well, let's go and find out. [MUSIC]