Key Points of the Montessori Method
The key points of the Montessori approach to teaching and learning is to place it into a context of World Issues, General Education and Special Education
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Issues of hunger, disease and war still exist in many parts of the world and mankind has tried solving these issues in three major ways; conflict, peaceful change, and legislation. These ways did improve some world issues but these issues have not been compeletely resolved. The Montessori approach being child- centered focuses on the importance of children as being builders of humanity; by observing small children they "teach us to teach them"( Dr. Montessori) to live in harmony with nature and others.
"Society must recognize the importance of the child as the builder of humanity and come to have profound appreciation of the pyschic roots determining whether the mature adult will seek positive or negative goals" ( Montessori 1972) According to Dr.Montessori the values of human personality and the development of mankind is the primary goal in confronting education (1972). A child-centered approach is used in the Montessorimethod of teaching nad learning. Regular outdoor time is integrated into the schoold day, physical education and individual learning spaces (carpeted reading areas/ play areas) are part of the environment prepared for the student. Education has seen many changes but issues still exist, and for improvement to happen in the educaiiton system and society, there needs to be more change.
"Intelligence, a balanced personality and the unity of all mankind as a single organism are man's wealth. What is thereofore needed today is an education that will lead the human personality to recognize man's grandeur" ( Montessori 1972). The Montessori approach to teaching and learning was developed as a result of Dr. Montesorri's involvement with the "unteachable" children. It was only later that her method was ued on "normal" children and proved with both, that ALL children are capable of learning. Special education prgrams today employ many of her ideas and objects designed to for teachhing and learning. Indivdual Education Progams (IEP's) are commonly used today with adaptations for children with special educational needs. Freedom to explore and providing prepared environments for Special Education needs are being increasingly incorporated into Montessori programs to aid teaching and learning. "The learning environment should value and respect all students' experiences and ways of thinking, so that the learners are comfortable taking intellectual risks, asking questions, and posing conjectures" ( Manitoda Education, Citizenship and Youth, 2008). |