Description
Since 2012, the term enabling environment has been one of four themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). An enabling environment is described as a rich, stimulating, and safe space offering opportunities to play, to be, to learn and to explore both physically and mentally.This seminar argues that EYFS meaning of enabling environment is underpinned by an adult-centric vision: adults are the demiurges who construct ‘the rich, stimulating and safe space where children find opportunities to play, to be, to learn and to explore both physically and mentally that are offered to them’ (EYFS, 2014-2021).
An alternative approach is introduced, developing from the concept of environments that enable. Environments that enable position the environment, understood as the network of relationships and interactions, at the center. It is that network that enables, with the active participation of children are authors of knowledges and responsible decision-makers, not the creative actions of adult demiurges.
| Period | 6 Feb 2023 |
|---|---|
| Held at | Middlesex University, United Kingdom |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Documents & Links
Related content
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Activities
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Observation as dialogue, observation of dialogue
Activity: Academic Talks or Presentations › Invited talk › Research
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Utilising outdoor space to promote children's curiosity
Activity: Academic Talks or Presentations › Oral presentation › Research
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Institute for Educational Technology of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR - ITD). Scientific Advisor, Project “Playful Environment for Inclusive leArning Design in Europe (PLEAIDE)
Activity: Knowledge Exchange & Consultancy › Work on advisory panel to industry or government or non-governmental organisation › Enterprise
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Utilizzare l’ambiente come strumento educativo implicazioni e critica di un concetto pedagogico
Activity: Academic Talks or Presentations › Keynote › Research
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Observing Inclusion, examples from Reggio Emilia
Activity: Academic Talks or Presentations › Keynote › Research
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Research Outputs
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Pedagogical Innovation for Children's Agency in the Classroom: Building Knowledge Together
Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
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The rise of the discourse on children’s right of self-determination. The case study of Early Childhood Education and its construction of children as agents in education
Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › peer-review
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From enabling environments to environments that enable: Notes for theoretical innovation at the intersection between environments, learning and children’s agency
Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › peer-review
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Children’s Self-determination in the Context of Early Childhood Education and Services: Discourses, Policies and Practices
Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review