The Teachings of Montessori

This week as we were asked to pick one theorist to research and write about their theory of education, I chose to research and write about Doctor Maria Montessori and her theory of education. I chose Dr. Montessori to research first because it is a method of teaching that I had heard of but never truly understood what it was or how it was taught. I also chose to research Montessori because it was the name that stood out to me and one I have heard many times before. So with that in mind, I set out to learn more about the Montessori method of teaching and what it entails.

Maria Montessori was an Italian born educator who sought to develop a method of teaching that was more suited towards modern America. This method of education focuses on independence, giving the children freedom within limits, the technological advances in society, and the psychological developments of the children at this age. This method of teaching is based around human development and an educational approach that is centered around that model. Montessori believed that children placed into what she thought was the ideal environment for their learning, would act spontaneously for optimal development.

The Montessori model of learning varies now but they focus mainly on these four points:

·      Mixed age classrooms with children aged 3-9

·      Student choice of activity from a range of options prepared according to the method.

·      Uninterrupted blocks of work time

·      Time for discovery where the children work with materials rather than with direct instruction.

Montessori believed that with this method, the children would be best developed and that they would also develop the independence necessary to make them functioning humans in society. It is in my opinion that this method of teaching might only benefit children that learn best by seeing the material before them. I do not believe that this method of instruction is the most beneficial to students because not everyone is able to learn without direct instruction and the aid of a teacher.

Resources:

The Montessori Foundation