The History of Conductive Education

Conductive Education was developed in Hungary by Professor András Peto,  a physician and educationalist. Peto believed that human development is holistic and learning occurs in an integrated way, encompassing the sensory, motor, cognitive, communication and socio-emotional aspects of development.

He based his approach on newly discovered scientific evidence of his time, which described the brain's unique capacity to form new connections despite the damage that occurred within. People with motor disorders could indeed learn new skills by utilising undamaged areas of the brain and hence overcome their problems of movement and co-ordination. According to Professor Peto, this ability can be mobilised with the help of a properly guided, active learning process. That is the reason why the Professor called his method "conductive".

Conductive means – merging, leading, developing, useful.
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For more information about the origins of Conductive Education and it’s development, the aims and elements, visit the New Zealand Foundation for Conductive Education website: www.conductive-education.org.nz