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Open Listening: Creative Evolution in Early Childhood Settings

OMEP XXVI World Conference, August 11–13, 2010, Gothenburg, Sweden

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Abstract

This article sketches out a philosophy and practice of open listening, linking open listening to Bergson’s (1998) concept of creative evolution. I draw on examples of small children at play from a variety of sources, including Reggio-Emilia-inspired preschools in Sweden. The article offers a challenge to early childhood educators to listen and to think and act beyond the status quo.

Résumé

Cet article présente une philosophie et une pratique de l’écoute ouverte, mettant en lien l’écoute ouverte avec le concept d’évolution créatrice de Bergson (1998). Je donne des exemples de jeunes enfants au jeu, tirés de diverses sources, y compris de classes préscolaires suédoises s’inspirant de Reggio-Emilia. Cet article lance aux éducateurs de jeunes enfants le défi d’écouter, de penser et d’agir au delà du statu quo.

Resumen

Este artículo plantea la filosofía y práctica de la escucha abierta, uniendo esta escucha abierta con el concepto de Evolución Creativa de Bergson (1998). Se ofrecen ejemplos de niños y niñas pequeños jugando en diversos ambientes, incluyendo los centros preescolares suecos inspirados en Reggio-Emilia. El artículo ofrece un desafío a los educadores preescolares para escuchar, pensar y actuar mas allá del estado actual y aceptado de las cosas (el “statu quo”).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Melbourne University, 20/11 Springfield Ave, Potts Point, NSW, 2011, Australia

    Bronwyn Davies

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  1. Bronwyn Davies
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Correspondence to Bronwyn Davies.

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Davies, B. Open Listening: Creative Evolution in Early Childhood Settings. IJEC 43, 119–132 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-011-0030-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-011-0030-1

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