Method
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform them into the world.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori Method
Dr. Maria Montessori, originator of the Montessori Method of Education, was the first woman graduate of the University of Rome Medical School in 1907. As a physician treating children with orthopedic conditions and slight retardation, Dr. Montessori developed skill building apparatus to assist in the development of these special children. At this point Dr. Montessori shifted her avocation from medicine to education, approaching the subject as a scientist; she observed and tested her ideas for their validity in aiding children in their growth. This open minded attitude, which requires respect for the child, is the most fundamental aspect of the Montessori Education.
Fundamental Differences Between Montessori And Traditional Education
Montessori
- Respect for individual differences.
- Sell-motivation and child centered learning process.
- Multi-age grouping whereby students leam “horizontally” from observation of other people’s work, directly or indirectly.
- Students learn at their own pace, free to complete a project or pursue a subject as uberly ds they wish and according to personal enthusiasm.
- Students learn by practicing their subject matters while in school with the supervision and assistance of the teacher as needed.
- The classroom is used as a library or resource room for projects and studies: the children are free to move and tire less.
- Knowledge is acquired through the use of concrete materials, scientifically designed to enhance conceptual thinking and lead to abstraction.
- Testing is built into the method as the third period of the “three-period-lesson” and is applied routinely when the individual is ready.
Testing aims at self-correction, repetiton and competence.
Traditional
- Emphasis on conforming to the group.
- Emphasis on grades, punishment or rewards as motivating factors.
- Students grouped chronologically to suit teachers pre-planned class lessons.
- Subjects are taught in lecture form and students must change classes and attend lessons all at the same time.
- Students must practice on their own and be graded on “busy work or home work that is often done without close monitoring.
- Students work at desks and passively sit to listen to lectures for long periods. The work period must be interrupted frequently.
- Knowledge often consists of memorization of irrelevant information from abstract concepts unrelated to the child’s daily experience.
- Scheduled testing does not take into consideration te neparaton or econ individual. Students are intimidated and taught that passing is more important than knowing.
Dr. Maria Montessori
“The child of three, four and five has one intuitive aim: self development. He desperately wants to develop his resources, his ability to cope with a strange, complex world. He wants to do and see and learn for himself, through his senses and not through the eyes of an adult. The child who accomplishes this moves into harmony with his world. He becomes a full person. He is educated.”
Philosophy & Mission
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Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, and Learn
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