Applications of Theories Educators Employ

To be certified as a Montessori Teacher, educators must pass difficult written and oral exams. The teacher must practice the many basic lessons by using “manipulative materials” in all subject areas. Classes are not grouped by grade level but rather by “readiness levels.” Teachers are seen more as guides than instructors. Their job is to prepare individual daily lessons for each child. Teachers must set up the environment so that as the child is ready to grasp new concepts the tools to observe and achieve them are already set up for them. The classroom is set up by subject areas. For example, if a student is going to work in math, he goes to the “math area.” The student does not have to remain physically in that area but that is where all the materials are housed. All subjects are connected by topics and the lessons are all related to the topic. However, each lesson is written for different levels according to skill of the student. Everything the teachers employ in the classroom is based on the Montessori lessons. The method employs many “hands on” tactile activities which engage the child directly in the learning process. The teacher seeks to motivate the student to complete the work in his/her own timetable as opposed to demanding the work be done at a specific time. Teachers are not allowed to reward the child for doing his work because the accomplishment is his reward.