Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Early Childhood Education: The Reggio Emilia (RE) Approach

This paper discusses the Reggio-Emila Approach in early childhood education. A Reggioinspired-kindergarten in Kuala Lumpur provided an observable example of this approach in Malaysia. The researcher was granted permission to unobtrusively observe a half-day school session, and to conduct an intensive interview with the school principal. A request to interview students and teachers was denied, as was a request to conduct a focus-group discussion. This paper discusses the Reggio Emilia philosohphy, followed by Reggio Emilia’s Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach. A summary of this researcher’s observation and findings are presented. The conclusion discusses the feasibility of the Reggio Emilia Approach in early childhood education