What were the three main processes in Ovide Decroly’s educational system?

Ovide Decroly’s educational system, known as the Decroly method, is based on three fundamental processes:

• Observation: Children learn by observing the world around them, using real objects drawn from everyday life.1
• Association: This process involves the association of space and time, helping children connect their observations to broader contexts.1
• Expression: Children are encouraged to express their understanding through various means, including oral, written, manual, or artistic forms.1

These processes were designed to support a curriculum centered on the child's universal needs, such as food, shelter, defense, and work. Unlike some other contemporary methods, Decroly’s approach emphasized group work and the use of real-world materials to foster learning.21