Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Maria Montessori's Theories
Maria Montessori recommended a method in which children were not required to use text books in classrooms and that two or more children should never be studying the same subject at a time. She also believed that children were perfectly capable to learn from their environment as well as from other classmates instead of learning from an instructor or teacher. Teachers can only work with very small groups or with a child at a time but never teach a lesson to the whole class. According to Maria Montessori, children should be guided to explore basic lessons of math, science, language and arts. At the beginning of the year children are guided to gain independence and then move on to work and explore by themselves with instructor's help. These children are monitored and studied by instructors. Montessori classrooms with children between ages of 3-6 or 6-12 are of 30-35 students to one teacher and one non teaching assistant.
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Thank you for your information on MAria Montesorri, it was all very new to me. I didnt realize that her schools were based on level rather than age. The fact that a child needs to master a certain level before they can go on is very different than the publics schools system where retention is frowned upon. I also thought it interesting that the teacher does not reward the student o rtheir accomplishment becasue the student should feel that the accomplishment in itself is reward enough. Wow, that would be hard for me to change my thought process about specific praise. But I guess the thought is that the feeling of accomplishment becomes inate and therefore is the driving force to learning and discovery. I would be interested in visiting a Montessori school just to observe and note differences and similarities. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteGood job! I knew the basics of a Montesorri school but not a whole lot. I believe it's important not only in a Montesorri school, but in public schools as well that parents should be completley involved in their childs education. At my school we have a new kindergartner that just transferred from a Montesorri school and it has been extremely difficult for him to adjust now that he is in a public school. So, I guess thats a downfall. Thank you, very informative :)
ReplyDeleteI never knew that Montessori schools got their name and practices from Maria Montessori. I like her ideas of the hands-on approach; this is one idea I find very helpful in the classroom myself. I have always believed that parent involvement in children's education is significant to a child's success and learning, and it looks like Maria Montessori agrees with me. It is evident to me whan a parent is not involved in their child's learning. I hope to foster an environment with my children's families where they feel welcome to join me in the classroom and share in the education of their child(ren). Although the Montessori approach has some good points, I will choose to teach in the standard classroom. environemtn.
ReplyDeleteI knew that Montessori schools believed heavily in independence, but thats all I knew. I love Maria's idea of allowing the children many opprotunities to work with their hands. This is obviously very appealing to the kinesthetic learner, and will help the teacher in the long run as well. Maria's theory is my absolute favorite. In fact, I encourage my kindies to be independent so they can be mature and ready for first grade.
ReplyDeleteTo show you how clueless I am, I thought that Montessori was a name of a school. Because of this project and your information, I know who Maria Montessori was. For that I thank you. I have to say she had a very interesting life, breaking so many barrier and tradition at her time. I was fascinated of the idea that the students do not get rewarded, but their accomplishment is their reward. I totally agree that children learn the most by using manipulative, environment and their classmates. I also totally agree that parents must be involved in their children’s education. Thanks again your blog was very informing to me.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys did a great job! I am really interested in Montessori's ideas, and I think you all did a great job presenting that information into your blog. I learned that different styles of teaching is important for students because they all learn differently. I agree with her ideas, and I think I would apply it to my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI liked the introduction of what a montesorri school is. I knew some of what it was, but not the concepts... The intro gave me a good detail explanation of what this type of learning enviroment is, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agreed that different styles of teaching is important in the classroom. I would definitely apply this type of learning to my students, rather than just teaching them from books and worksheets.. Good Job!
I enjoyed reading this blog. I heard about Montessori schools before and I have information on the founder now. The involvement of parents is mandatory for good communication between the parents, teachers, and students.
ReplyDeleteI knew Montessori is a hands on approach and the family is encouraged to be very involved with their child. Not knowing too much more about this theory, I had an idea that it was a free for all inviroment. After reading your blog, I can understand and picture the Maria Montessori theory better. Good job on your explanation.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on a great topic! I think there are ways we as teachers, can use Montessori ideas in our public schools. I never really knew much about the the founder so it's great to learn something about her. Thanks for the good info. on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI now know an in-depth information on what my Montessori program that is at my school. It is great to know that Maria wanted children learn to be independant and to learn from their own environment. It was very interesting to learn. Awesome blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes. I agree with Maria Montessorie that children can learn a great deal from their environment. Her theories are as effective today as they were many years ago. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteMaria Montesorri had a great approach to teaching children through "readiness levels" not by grade level, and not rewarding students yet the reward is what the student has accomplished by doing the task, in his or her own timetable, the pressures of set times are stressful often for children. Montesorri learning is a more student friendly way to learn, educating teachers and parents on applying this were well done, teachers and parents encouraging involement. How the child feels about home and school, interconnect. The multicultural piece is very important with the children we will be teaching, thank you for shedding the light on a different approach to classroom setup and how the child will learn.Small groups a more individual touch, much needed in today's children. Maria Montesorri Bravo!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like Maria she is kind of what I like in my classroom and I like that the children are leaarning from each other we as teachers don't have all tha answers. some times children can say things in a different way thatn we can.But I like her I plan on doing centers in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI was really confused about the Montessori thing at first. From what i heard people say, Montessori schools let children do whatever they wanted to do. Now i know that Montessori schools let children learn whatever they want to learn. Now whether or not that is a good thing I don't know. IT depends on the individual child.
ReplyDeleteI like how Maria Montesorri believed that children are perfectly capable to learn from their environment as well as from other classmates instead of learning from a teacher. I also like how Montesorri school teach children to be independent.I feel like that really helps them so when they grow up they could be independent and do things on their own and not expect others to do it for them or help them. I believe that all children learn differently and that "hands on" activities are a great way to learn. lastly, i like how Montesorri schools allow students to learn what they desire.
ReplyDeleteGood information, thank you. Few schools that claim to be 'Montessori' are actually true to her theory. I love that parents are directly involved and children progress according to ability not age. I'm not sure how to feel about not including text books, but if it works, why not.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
-Kelly Geerdes
Maria Montessori is a heroine of mine. She was able to be a modern woman at a time when it simply was not done. My daughter has been in a Montessori school for 3 years and I love it. Keep in mind that although they do not use textbooks, they do use workbooks for the different subjects. The nice thing is that there is no limit to what the students can learn and explore when they are ready. For example, my daughter finished her 2nd grade Phonics book by the end of 1st grade and they were perfectly ok with her starting on her 3rd level when she began 2nd grade. I hope to do an internship there when I graduate from UNC.
ReplyDeleteWow, that was very helpful in clearing up my misconceptions of the Montessori approach to education. I am unsure if I but into the whole philosophy but I do like the hands on approach of discovery and learning. However, I am not convinced that the children know what they need to learn unless they are taught. I think a school district in Arvada has gone to a readiness model and have taken away 'grade' levels. I wonder how that's going in a public school environment? Well done!
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