Loris Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia: Provocation and hope for a renewed public education

Abstract

Loris Malaguzzi (1920–1994) was one of the great educationalists of the last century, helping to create a system of public (or municipal) schools in his home city of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy that is, arguably, the most successful example of radical or progressive education that has ever been. The article gives an introduction to Malaguzzi and his work, starting with a short overview of his career, then outlining some of the most important understandings, values and practices that came to define his pedagogical thinking and work, and counterpointing this with the attention he paid to organisation, which he believed was vital but always subservient to values and practice. Finally, the article considers his significance to education today, expanding on how Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia provide both provocation and hope for a renewed public education. The author draws on a recently published translation and collection of Malaguzzi’s writings and speeches, on which he worked as co-editor, ‘Loris Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia’.