A Comparative Study of High Scope, Reggio Emilia Waldorf Approaches: Providing Guidelines for Training of Pre-primary Teachers in Iran

The aim of this research was to compare the approaches of High Scope, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf in order to provide guidelines for the training of pre-primary teachers in Iran. The research method is comparative qualitatively using documentary and Bereday methods for data collection and analysis respectively. The research findings showed that all three educational approaches in cases such as acceptance of sequence and child’s developmental tasks; unique role of the coach as a guide and facilitator; following the basics and principles of child psychology; attention to the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the child; and attention to the famous principles and theories of learning are similar to each other. In terms of differences, the high scope approach emphasize on components of special needs of the child, dialectical education, technical coach and reverse education; Reggio Emilia’s approach highlights multicultural components, technical training situation, implicit values and Waldorf’s approach persists the components of curriculum integration, artistic method of imaginative play, classroom with natural materials and trained teachers. The findings of the present research can be a good guide for experts, executives and decision makers in the field of preschool education in Iran to identify and pay attention to the characteristics and elements of an effective educational model for the training of preschool teachers.