What is the romantic pedagogical model and what does it consist of?

The romantic pedagogical model is a form of teaching that focuses on the child, beyond the school content . In this way, the proposal takes more into account highlighting the potential of children in the classroom in such a way that it is not limited in any aspect. Thus, it will be possible for the little one to better develop her abilities and strengths.



«The romantic pedagogical model seeks the education of the child as a complete being, in which physical, emotional, intellectual and moral development is encouraged. Learning through direct experience and social interaction is valued, and it is sought that the child is able to build their own knowledge of it. » – Jean Piaget , Swiss psychologist and educator.

In this model, the teacher's role changes to being a guide or companion in this process of unfolding potential. The main objective of this model is to avoid any interference that could restrict the child's spontaneous learning process.

The cornerstone of the pedagogical model: emotional education

Scottish educator Alexander Sutherland Neill was the one who devised this model based on the belief that all human beings are naturally good. Consequently, he maintained that formal education that aims to turn children into model adults was not necessary, but rather to help them discover it on their own. That is, investigating and learning to know themselves.

Freedom and security

Based on the aforementioned, the romantic pedagogical model is based on giving the child an environment of full freedom and security. So, in this model there are no reprimands or corrections, since this could prevent the expression of one's own impulses. However, there were some limits in cases where freedom could endanger both the child's own safety and that of third parties.

7 Advantages of the emotional pedagogy model

  • Full freedom : This is the main axis of the model. In this way, it is proposed as opposed to the concepts of traditional pedagogies that only thought of highlighting regulations and continuing to block children's creativity and expression. The romantic approach allows the student to explore her creativity and imagination, allowing her to develop her potential and abilities in a more complete and autonomous way.
  • Promotes self-knowledge and self-perception : With this model, it is proposed that children learn to discern between what is correct and what is not, achieving an adequate perception based on experience and not on the imposition of external norms. In other words, the model encourages self-regulation learning in different situations.
  • Fosters a love of learning : Learning takes place in a more natural and enjoyable way, which helps students enjoy education, and therefore fosters a love of learning.
  • Stimulates significant learning : This model is based on experience and significant learning , which makes it easier for the student to understand and retain the concepts and skills that are taught, allowing them to apply them to everyday situations.
  • Builds Self-Confidence : The romantic approach promotes self-expression and independence, which helps students build their self-confidence and self-assurance, allowing them to be more capable of facing challenges.
  • Value diversity and individuality : The romantic approach focuses on the individual development of each student, allowing each one to learn at their own pace, and also values ​​and respects the diversity of each person, promoting inclusion and respect to the differences.
  • It prepares them for adult life : Unlike the traditional pedagogical model, this one proposes to help children to experiment on their own, preparing them to face different daily situations. For that reason, part of the experience and free expression until the children reach their own emotional regulation.

«The romantic pedagogical model is based on the idea that the child is a naturally good being and that his education should promote his integral and free development. To achieve this, an affective, safe and stimulating environment is required where the child can express himself freely and develop his creativity. » – Maria Montessori , Italian doctor and educator.

Disadvantages of the affective pedagogical model

  • It is a questioned model : The total freedom proposed by the romantic pedagogical model may not be prudent due to the temperament or personality of certain children. It is true that the model proposes a technique that is opposed to the methodology of traditional pedagogy and that, as we have seen, presents great advantages. However, the model cannot be applied to all children, because each child needs a method or form of teaching that adapts to their circumstances, internal processes and context.
  • Lack of school content : Another of the objections made by those who do not defend the model focuses on the need to transmit school content, so those children who are educated with this method may not achieve or reach the basic knowledge that is expected within of a curricular design according to the age of the children.
  • Lack of teacher training : This is another aspect or disadvantage that this method has encountered. Although many teachers may feel attracted to it, the reality is that they must be instructed in how to approach each aspect, moving from the place of the traditional teacher. This entails an additional and quite exhaustive preparation considering that teacher training is mostly governed under axes or parameters of traditional pedagogy.
  • Traditional and majority formal education : Although it is often argued to avoid traditional pedagogy within the classroom, the reality is that in different shades, but it circulates and too much both in teacher training and in Western classrooms. This presents a great obstacle for the exercise of this model, at least from a conception of the pure romantic pedagogical model.

How to promote the romantic pedagogical model

If you are interested in promoting the romantic pedagogical model, you can consider the following strategies:

  1. Promote the education and training of teachers : The effective implementation of the comprehensive education model requires teachers trained in the philosophy and practice of the approach. It is important to provide teachers with adequate training and necessary resources so that they can implement the model successfully. 
  2. Encourage student-centered education : Education should be student-centered, allowing them to express themselves freely and explore the world through their interests and curiosities. This can be done through hands-on activities, teamwork, and the creation of safe and stimulating environments for learning.
  3. Encourage self-expression and creativity : The romantic pedagogical model values ​​self-expression and creativity. It is important to allow students to express themselves freely and give them the opportunity to be creative through activities such as painting, music, writing and dramatization.
  4. Encourage experiential learning : The humanistic pedagogical approach emphasizes experiential learning, so opportunities must be provided for students to explore the world and learn from their own experience.
  5. Promote a safe and caring environment : Emotional pedagogy values ​​a safe and caring environment in which students feel valued and respected. Teachers must work to create an environment of trust, in which students can express themselves freely and feel safe to learn and explore.

In my opinion, the romantic pedagogical model has important advantages for the educational and personal development of the student. By focusing on creativity, meaningful learning, self-confidence, love of learning, and valuing diversity and individuality, this model can be highly beneficial to students.

In conclusion, the romantic pedagogical model can be a valuable alternative for the educational development of students. It is important that parents are informed about this approach and consider its benefits and limitations when choosing a school for their children.

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