Montessori,Maria
From WikEd
Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
http://www.anna-schmidt-schule.de/images/monte-224.jpg
Description and Definition: Italian physician, Developmental Theorist. Born in 1870 Maria Montessori established a theory of development similar to that of Rousseau (children think and learn differently from adults). Her work was heavily influenced by the previous work of Itard (The Wild Boy of Aveyron) as well as that of his student, her teacher, Eduard Seguin. She identified a concept of "Sensitive Periods" of development in children. Her theory was to let students learn by exploration. In other words, "first the education of the senses, then the education of the intellect" (Smith, 2005). The exercises she developed would prepare the students who would then repeat that specific concept. The constant repitition is what allows a child to be conditioned. This would be similar to an athlete who practices the same fundamentals on a daily basis. Over a period of time that athlete will be able to do those fundamentals without much thought.
In 1907 Montessori took her ideas and implemented them in the first Children's house. This house was built as a part of a slum redevelopment (Smith, 2005). Montessori placed an emphasis on self realization by having students engaged in exercises of daily living. The idea of the exercises were to arouse interest and engage the personality of that student. Essentially, the teacher was the 'keeper' of the school classroom or enviornment (Smith, 2005). Another way to view the teacher's role would be as a social engineer. One who designs a curriculum based upon what the student's needs are.
In the 1960's there was a resurgence of support for her theories in the U.S. and "Montessori Schools" were developed. Children were given "free choice", meaning no rewards or punishments were used. The teacher's role is a passive one. Teachers should watch children and provide for each one's particular needs and state of readiness. Learning should be a consistantly positive experience.
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[edit] The Montessori Method
The Montessori method of teaching is a student centered approach that is structured around a child's innate desire to learn. Teachers using a Montessori mode of instruction work to provide students with a stimulating environment and tools needed to explore and learn about this environment. Teachers set minimal limits and design a curriculum based on the childs level of development.
[edit] Application in Classrooms and Similar Settings
The Montessori Method is often used in schools today. Teachers are designing lessons that engage students so that they can apply what they have been taught. This is where the term engaged learning came into our schools. By letting students experience something hands on is far better than simply lecturing to them. Based upon research from Montessori, an activity in the classroom allows for the student to master a specific concept. As education continues to change, so will our ways of helping students achieve their maximum potential.
[edit] Evidence of Effectiveness
Research shows that many bright students are passive learners (Seldin, 1996). These students might memorize facts but want to dig deeper into ones curriculum. This allows for a student to become a self-confident, independant learner.
[edit] Critics and their Rationale
At first, the Montessori method was critisized for being too rigorous and harsh for students, but this type of learning produced a more natural response. Montessori was often quoted as saying, "I studied my children, and they taught me how to teach them" (Montessori, 2005).
[edit] Alternative Explanations Due to Diversity Considerations
Diversity and Montessori's theory go hand in hand. For students of limited english the chance to self-explore and to participate in other activities far outweighs the education they would receive from a book. Not all schools are able to afford books, but teachers are able to come up with creative leeson ideas that students would be able to master. When it comes to Monetssori school no two schools are alike. Each school might have a broad range of topics but the indepth study of each topic is different depending on where a child goes to school.
[edit] Signed "Life Experiences", Testimonies, and Stories
"What I love about it is a teacher doesn't stand over a child and force him or her to learn, and that is a great thing to give a child early on," (Agnvall, 2003).
"Research supports the mixed-aged grouping and the idea that the kids have lots of choice in terms of what interests them and what they pursue," (Agnvall, 2003).
"Often times I allow my students to explore a topic on their own and to provide me information about that topic. There aren't any set limitations to this type of work. The students really get into a topic of their choice," (Leven, 2005).
As a junior in college, I was required to observe and assist at a Montessori School near campus. It was an amazing experience and I recall telling my mother that I thought that was where my younger brother should go to school. I of course later realized that Montessori is a great methodology but not great for everyone. R. Hall
I worked in a Montessori school for three years as an assistant when I was an undergrad. Many of the students were kids who had tried public school and it just wasn't working for them. Some of them had trouble sitting still for an hour at a time, others were either too challenged or (mostly) not challenged enough in public schools and the teacher was just too busy to provde them with individualized work. So there may be some preexisting bias in that many of the kids were there who may have been better candidates for the individualized, free-pace environment but I didn't see a single child who didn't adjust well to the program and show improved self-efficacy, increasing skills, and a generally calmer and more positive attitude after only a few weeks out of public school. Again, I admit that there were very few "normal" kids who would be doing fine in public schools to use as a control group, but the observations were powerful. I happened to be in a wealthy little town and the school, even while offering a very fair sliding scale system, was rather expensive. In addition to the sliding scale, they also were able to offer ten scholarships a year to offset the costs. I've now volunteered or worked in a private Catholic school, a very well-funded and excellent public school, and the Montessori school and I would say that, even though all of them were positive experiences, I saw the most learning and personal growth potential in the Montessori environment. April Spisak
[edit] References and Websites
Agnvall, Elizabeth. (2003). The Montessori Mystique. How to know if the early-childhood teaching method is right for your child. [Online]. Star Telegram. http://www.startelegram.com [February 17, 2005].
Seldin, Tim. (1996). Montessori 101: Montessori Basics for Parents. [Online]. Kids Village Montessori. [1] [February 22, 2005].
Smith, Mark. (2005). Maria Montesori. [Online]. Infed. [2] [February 9, 2005].
(2005). Dr. Maria Montessori, MD. [Online]. Montessori. [[3]] [February 9, 2005].
