What is a key belief of Malaguzzi regarding children?

A key belief of Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, is that children are independent learners. This perspective emphasizes that children are naturally curious and capable of directing their own learning experiences. Malaguzzi posited that through exploration and interaction with their environment and peers, children construct their understanding of the world. This approach celebrates the idea that children are active participants in their learning journey, rather than passive recipients of information.

The concepts of independence and agency are central to Malaguzzi's philosophy, encouraging educators to create an environment where children can explore, inquire, and express themselves freely. This belief fosters a sense of confidence and motivation in young learners, as they are viewed as competent individuals who can make choices about their learning.

In contrast, views that advocate for strict directions or continual adult instruction underplay the child's ability to engage and learn effectively through their own experiences. Additionally, asserting that learning is not influenced by the environment contradicts Malaguzzi's beliefs, as he strongly emphasized the role of the environment in shaping children's learning experiences.