The High/Scope educational approach, developed and refined over the past 40 years, offers strategies and techniques for interacting with children in ways that help them become independent thinkers and accomplished problem solvers.
Active learning is the core of the High/Scope approach and is reflected throughout the whole program. Children like to explore new things, ask questions and search for answers, and also solve problems. This strong urge to take the initiative to learn and explore leads the children to engage in key developmental indicators. As early childhood educators we plan active learning experiences that are of immediate interest to the children. We build on the children's knowledge and strength by exposing them to a wide variety of learning experiences & opportunities based on the High/Scope key developmental indicators. |
The approach was originally developed in 1960 to serve "at risk" children in the Detroit, Michigan area. David Weikart, Director of Special Services for the Ypsilanti School Board had the challenge of discovering why so many children were failing in school and how the school system could support his findings. He quickly discovered that early intervention was the key to future success and started to design a program based on the child development theories of Jean Piaget. Piaget believed that children and adults alike learn best by active hands on experience. This is called Active learning.
