Main lesson

Lesson teaching or Epochalunterricht as a special form of curriculum design and the teaching structure in schools is an heirloom of the school education of the 19th century in connection to the Herbartianism. Here it should be repealed in order concentrated to relax with a subject of instruction for a certain period of time (epoch ) the juxtaposition of subjects. This is to aim

• A discipline to secure an advance of other subjects for which it is intended to provide a basis or
• Different subjects to relate to a common theme for the purpose of a lighting from different perspectives (eg, " Our Town " from a biological, historical, political, artistic, geographical, ... point of view).

Lesson teaching at the Waldorf School

Applications of this form of teaching, particularly in the context of the pedagogy of Rudolf Steiner Waldorf schools, where it is given from the first to at least the 8th grade. Over several (about three) weeks of time to get the Waldorf pupils Main course, that is the first double lesson each day in the same subject issued. A three-week period replaces a lesson that would be granted over a whole year.

The lesson teaching is normally held by the class teacher, but may, as required, may also be given by specialist teachers. In the upper level, which starts in Waldorf schools already with the class nine, the lesson teaching by specialist teachers will be issued.

Some Waldorf schools are next to "Main Era " also known as " secondary " or "Sub eras " that are at a later time of the day and can also have another of hours. To place on some Waldorf schools in addition to the main lessons of the Artisan - Artistic education ( HKU ) in epoch form instead, but only about three times a week, but over a longer period of time: The craft- artistic subjects alternate every eight to ten weeks from.

Thus, it is the students of beginning classes possible to endure up to 105 minutes lesson teaching without a break, it is divided into several parts:

• The day will begin with a contemplative " morning verse " and the " rhythmic part ," in which students acclimatise. Here is - regardless of the compartment for part - making music, recited, rhythmic clapping or practiced the little multiplication tables, for example. In the upper level, it can also be used to discuss events of the day before or of philosophical questions.
• The lesson continues with a review of the previous day ( including homework discussion and deepening ), then new material is developed jointly as possible.
• Following this, the students have extensive opportunity to practice the new learning content; while they should eliminate ambiguities through mutual assistance or questions to the teacher.
• The lesson continues with a discussion of the results of this " Übteils ," the outlook for the next day and the preparation of homework.

It is ensured that disruption to this fixed scheme not too often. Exceptions are class work where only morning verse and partly to the rhythmic part be retained, and some hours in high school, when a more complex theory is to be introduced at a time.

In addition to the lesson teaching is common in the upper stage of most Waldorf schools, set up weekly Übstunden in the subjects German and mathematics.

His intensive preoccupation with a central theme in the context of the teaching of this era can be improved considerably.