...Montessori: Evolving Toward a Public Secondary School in the 21st Century Nadia Bryden November 7, 2012 Abstract The educational community has long been familiar with the Montessori method for its international ability to remediate or engage children who are, for any number of reasons, not suited to traditional public schooling. This paper examines the basis of the need for alternative schooling, outlines the development and evolution of the Montessori method and philosophy, and validates the methodology in research, providing a side-by-side comparison for examination of relative strengths and weaknesses of the program. For 21st century school reformists seeking alternative methods of education or an individualized, child-centered curriculum, Montessori presents itself as an adaptive, hands-on, future-friendly option for the democratic community as it evolves toward offering a full preschool to secondary public program. Keywords: Montessori, constructivism, independence, Dewey, progressive, alternative education Montessori: Evolving Toward a Public Secondary School in the 21st Century Since the time of early philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle and Plato, to whom we can trace the traditional subjects of the common core curriculum, there have been heated political and social debates surrounding the field of education. Rather than being discouraged by their recurrent nature, academic planners and developers must examine these questions anew to refresh our views...
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...obstacles placed by society seldom make history or do anything incredible during their lifetime. Women who fight the obstacles accomplish amazing things . Maria Montessori is a prime example of a woman who pushed through the obstacles that society placed on her and made a huge impact on education world wide. Why did Maria Montessori education method impact people worldwide? Her method contributed to the development of education. First, we have to understand who Maria Montessori was and how she improved the educational situation at that time. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Ancona, Italy. Her father worked as a civil servant throughout his life, and her mother who came from an academic family, was well educated for 19th-century European women. When Montessori was five years old, she and her family moved to Rome. Upon turning 12, Montessori decided she wanted to enroll in technical school for secondary education. Her father was not a fan of this decision because he felt that Women should be restricted to only learning certain subjects, but her mother didn’t mind the idea because she believed in letting her child explore her natural inclination to learn. Maria Montessori grew up in Italy during the time when strict rules dictating social customs and practices were prevalent. However, from a young age, Montessori was prepared to challenge the prevailing system. Against the wishes of her father and contrary to norms considered appropriate for women, she enrolled at the...
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...MONTESSORI CENTRE INTERNATIONAL 18 Balderton Street, London W1K 6TG, United Kingdom Tel 00 44(0) 20 7493 8300 ( Fax 00 44 (0) 20 7629 7808 www.montessori.org.uk TITLE SHEET for Distance Learning Students Is English your first language: Yes / No (please delete as applicable) STUDENT NAME: Ann E Body STUDENT NO: 00000 NAME OF MARKER: B N Given DATE OF SUBMISSION: 01.01.01 ASSIGNMENT NO: 1 NO. OF WORDS: 1924 BIBLIOGRAPHY ENCLOSED: Yes/No (please delete as applicable) I declare that this work is my own and the work of others is acknowledged by quotation or correct referencing. I declare that this work has not been copied from another student(s) past or present at this or any other educational institution, or from any other source such as the internet. Name: Ann E Body Date: 01.01.01 Please write the essay title in FULL below: Montessori saw movement as a harmonising factor in the child’s development. Explain how the underpinning ethos of the prepared environment facilitates a balance between the mental and physical energies of the child. This essay will examine the way in which the principles of the prepared environment aim to support the child’s mental and physical development, particularly during the sensitive period for movement. The ethos of freedom will be considered, as well as the relationship between movement and the intellect with regard to aspects such as exploration and concentration. The Montessori...
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...CHILD DEVELOPMENT ESSAY Sensitive Mothering is essential to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant development theory. • Explain what is meant by the term Sensitive Mothering. Explain why sensitive mothering is important in building a positive emotional base. • Link this explanation to Bowlby’s attachment theory and Ainsworth’s studies. You will need to show an understanding of the internal working model of attachment and how sensitive mothering impacts the quality of attachment. • Links also need to be made to Erikson’s relevant psychological stages of personality development, emphasizing the importance of a supportive social environment. • Consider research that determines how early attachment impacts social and emotional development of three to five year olds and adults. Bowlby (1969 cited in Nicholls & Kirkland, 1996, p.55) states that an important element in the development of secure attachment is maternal sensitivity. This is necessary in order to engender an infant’s confidence in a mother's accessibility and responsiveness. Ainsworth et al (1978 cited in Barnes, 1995, p.14) opine that maternal sensitivity predicts the extent of attachment between mother and infant. “Mothers who are more sensitive, responsive, accessible and cooperative during their child’s first year are likely to have a child who develops a secure attachment”. Ainsworth et al, (1978 cited in Barnes, 1995...
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...MONTESSORI REPORT "The greatest sign of success for a teacher….is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist."" (Montessori, 1974) There are so many greatest educators in the world and Dr. Maria Montessori is the highest peak in among them. Dr. Montessori is a controversial figure in education. But there is no doubt that her method changed the course of education. During her lifetime, she wants to change the adult belief on children and their education. She strong believed each adult must develop his or her abilities to observe children deeply so that adult can found the inner beauty each child possesses. "Just who was this woman who began an educational revolution that changed the way we think about children more than anyone before or since?" (Retrieved from http://www.montessori.edu/maria.html) Dr. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. She was the only child of Alessandro and Renilde Stoppani. The Montessori family moved to Florence in 1873 and then to Rome in 1875 because of her father's work. In 1876, Dr. Montessori entered a public elementary school at the age of six. In 1883, at the age of thirteen, against the wishes of her father but with the support of her mother, she began to attend a boy's technical school. She did not want to be a teacher although the teaching profession was one of the few that young ladies were encouraged to take park in at the time. In 1886, she graduated from the technical school...
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...Ch.7 Incredible results; parents now wanted kids of age 5 to be introduced to writing and reading. *Believes it is best to write 1st then learn to read. Ch.8 Schools started to spread and Montessori materials were widespread -held training classes for teachers -Wrote 1st book: The Montessori Method Ch.9 -new school opened at a convert for orphaned children -1st introduced to America in literature in 1909 -1913 Maria came to US; 1st Montessori school in US was in Tarrytown, NY -Montessori society formed. Ch.10 Magazine, newspaper, and general media were popular -Alexander Graham Bell’s wife became a big follower -Her book was 2nd place in 1912 and was on the best seller’s list -International Montessori Training in Rome -Problems of others misinterpreting her ideas; many took the method light heartedly Ch.11 -Mother died in 1912, wore black for almost the rest of her life. -Maria got very upset if anyone but her attempted to give a Montessori course -after her mother died, Maria brought Mario to live with her Ch.12 * When arrived in NY, she was swarmed by reporters * Travelled the US and was always polite * Returned home January 5th * Her materials have stood the test of time Ch.13 * 1915 visited California; meeting of National Education Association and 15,000 teachers. * Lived in LA for 2 months * Maria introduced as nephew then adopted son (17 years old) * Parkurst would be like a daughter to Maria * Her biggest flaw...
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...Psychology of Learning Working with institutionalized and inner-city youngsters, Dr. Maria Montessori was struck by how avidly the children absorbed knowledge from their surroundings. Given developmentally appropriate materials and the freedom to follow their interests, they joyfully taught themselves. Dr. Montessori observed the following, 1 "When the teachers were weary of my observations, they began to allow the children to do whatever they pleased. I saw children with their feet on the tables, or with their fingers in their noses, and no intervention was made to correct them. I saw others push their companions, and I saw dawn in the faces of these an expression of violence; and not the slightest attention on the part of the teacher. Then I had to intervene to show with what absolute rigor it is necessary to hinder, and little by little suppress, all those things which we must not do, so that the child may come to discern clearly between good and evil. " 2" A room in which all the children move about usefully, intelligently, and voluntarily, without committing any rough or rude act, would seem to me a classroom very well disciplined indeed." A disciplined classroom fosters a richer learning environment. The goal of Montessori education is to foster a child's natural inclination to learn. Montessori teachers guide rather than instruct, linking each student with activities that meet his interests, needs, and developmental level. The classroom is designed to allow movement...
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...students with dyscalculia take a longer time to complete math assignments. In the early grades, this can be very difficult because arithmetic is considered the most basic and easiest math process. Other areas of math, such as geometry or probability theory, may be easier for dyscalculic students. One of the ironies of this, however, is that a dyscalculic student might become so anxious and so frustrated with math that they will not be able to get to these areas of mathematical study. (This reminds me of Einstein and how he was identified as being learning disabled, particularly in math. I wonder if he was dyscalculic?) For someone with dyscalculia, remembering number shapes, identifying symbolic representations of numbers, and interpreting mathematic symbols is very challenging. As a result, a child who can’t perform simple addition functions may experience lowered self-esteem and higher anxiety, which is where “I hate math!” begins. Another challenge is that in lower grades, students with dyscalculia may be able to score in the basic or lower proficient range of state or province tests, which masks their need for intervention, testing, and support. Students with dyscalculia benefit from additional time and hands-on materials,...
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...Introductory Transition 1. the development of learning styles began in 1907 2. VAK- Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic 1. Visual means to have the nature of producing images by the eye. 2. Auditory having the sense of hearing 3. Kinesthetic is the sense to have bodily movement or position of any parts of the body. 3. Knowing your learning style can help you perform more efficiently. 4. Through recent research and studies your learning style helps improve the speed and quality of your learning C. Knowing the different type of learning style will help you understand and retain information. II. Body A. History of learning styles. 1. Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907 began to use different things to help students' learning. 2. Neil Flemming started a model called VAK learning style theory, in which it was based on three main parts. However, on of the most utilized models is Flemming's VAK model of learning styles. B. The VAK model is made up of three main different types of learning styles which includes visual, auditory and kinesthetic or tactile. 1. Visual 1. "Show me and I'll understand" 2. Learn best through picture and diagrams 3. Visual learners grasp information when they see it. 2. Auditory 4. "tell me and I'll understand" 5. Talks to themselves ...
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...Maria Montessori Julianne Perry ECE101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education Monica Kelly June 13, 2011 Thesis: Maria Montessori's way of learning is very unique; her theory was for children learn in a natural and parent-supported environment. Outline I. Education of Montessori 1. First woman to receive a Medical Degree in Italy A. Studied psychiatry, education and anthropology. B. Worked, wrote and spoke for children with special needs 2. Many schools use the Montessori Method to teach today A. Principles of the Montessori Method B. Planes of Development II. Learning Style 1. Independence A. Children work individually rather than in-group activities B. Children have more freedom and work at their own pace 2. Strong Parent Involvement A. Parents participate in their child's activities home away from school B. Parent education programs III. Schools Today 1. Teachers syllabus A. Independent projects for children and programs for parent involvement B. Children work on anything they want, at their own pace Montessori's teaching is different than traditional lessons because her lessons are more about parent involvement and individuality rather than group activity. This paper will show how Montessori inspires me and how my classroom would compare to hers. Maria Montessori is a very smart woman, in my opinion. By reading a time-line about her and learning more and more about her, I understand her...
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...Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the brilliant figure who was Italy's first woman physician. After innovating a methodology for working with children with disabilities, she started her Casa dei Bambini (Children's House) in 1907 for children ages 4 through 7 in a housing project in the slums of Rome. Her movement spread to other countries, especially after the Fascist regime denounced Montessori methods of education and she left Italy. In the United States, there was strong but brief interest from 1910 to 1920, but then Montessori education fell out of favor (Torrence & Chattin-McNichols, 2000). During this time, however, the movement flourished in Europe and India. In the 1950s, American educator Nancy Rambush led a movement of renewal, and Montessori education spread as an independent school movement (Loeffler, 1992). There are probably 5,000 or more schools calling themselves "Montessori" in the United States (Ruenzel, 1997). Of these, about 20% are affiliated with the two major accrediting organizations. Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) (http://www.montessori-ami.org/) promotes the study, application, and propagation of Montessori's (original) ideas and principles for education and human development. The American Montessori Society (AMS) (http://www.amshq.org) supports Montessori education in the context of contemporary American culture (Loeffler, 1992). The Web sites provide information about program history, philosophy, accreditation, teacher training, and published...
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...to facilitate child's normal development are discussed in detail. According to Montessori, there are three stages of growth, Phase one – birth to six years (Absorbent Mind), Phase two - six to twelve years(Childhood) , Phase three - twelve to eighteen years (Adolescence). Each plane describes a unique developmental stage and highlights the particular characteristics of the child at that stage and explains the conditions which Montessori thought were most conducive to the child's development at each stage. Phase one - birth to six years (Absorbent Mind) is subdivided into two sub-stages, the spiritual (Montessori, 1966 and 2007a) and social embryonic (Montessori, 2007a) stage. from birth to three years child learns unconsciously from his/her environment of which immediate family, primary and secondary are an essential component. The unconscious absorbent mind enables children to acquire information and develop essential skills such as walking and talking. In the early stages of this sub-phase the infant is seen to be a spiritual embryo. ’"we are not dealing with something that develops, but with a fact of formation; something non- existent has to be produced, starting from nothing " (Montessori, 2007a, p.21). The child in the next sub-phase is referred to as conscious absorbent mind, the three to six year old begins to be able to exist independently of the prime carer. Montessori refers to the child at this stage of his/her development as the social embryo. She/he...
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...1.A) Sensitive periods are specific, limited time when the child shows a strong attraction to a particular activity. The activity child is drawn to aid the child in his/her physical, mental and emotional development. Sensitive periods can be long, short, some overlap or run parallel. When a child is gaining new skills or knowledge during a sensitive period, he/she does so with great ease and with deep concentration. * The first one is the period of Sensory awareness. It originates at birth and continues until the young one reaches the age of 4. During this time the child needs to fully implement all the senses in order to expand them as much as possible. * The second sensitive period which focuses on Language development does not start until the age of three months. The child is in this phase until he/she reaches almost 6 years of age. In this time the little one distinguishes the sound of a human voice and is able to identify the person’s mouth moving. During this stage the child imitates certain sounds, especially the ones that people make. This shows the ability that the small being has to be able to discriminate and mimic the noise that other individuals make. * The third sensitive period focuses on Order. It appears from the age of one and subsides at the age of three. In this time the child expresses the need for stability as this is the organizational phase. The little one is concentrating on forming patterns and foundations for understanding the world around...
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...Critically evaluate Montessori’s ideas for the education of young children and discuss whether they provide a model for early years practice today Structure of the work; Montessori’s ideas on education? 1. Her ideas about what is learning/ the materials the child uses? 2. The ideas for the child’s environments? Everything there? To support their learning? Bringing the Montessori Approach to your Early Years Practice. pages: 18 3. Role of the teacher? Then Compare today’s ideas 1. How does her use of materials set in today’s theory? How does her materials support today’s learning? 2. Does her theory fit today theory? 3. Role of teachers does it set in today’s theory? Her ideas then and now? relevant education materials children tend to teach themselves? but today, materials sharing with each other and talk to each other. The basic goals of the Montessori Method are to develop the child’s independence and productivity as well as preserve the dignity of the child while focusing on the psychological health of the child. Education for the Montessori Method begins at birth and continues through the first six years. These early years are essential for development. To develop skills there are delicate time frames where learning is uninterrupted. This learning can be encouraged by experiences Observation: the key role of the teacher is that of observing the child and letting him express himself. Montessori’s scientific background suggested...
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...Normalisation is a very controversial issue in the non-Montessori circles as it is surrounded by lots of misunderstandings hence in this assignment i will shed the light on the process of the child’s growing normalisation and how it affects the role of the teacher. I will also define the term normalisation and link it with the concept of deviation. The prepared environment that supports a child’s normalisation process will be explained and linked to the child’s growing social development. Moreover I will describe the teacher’s initial approach with a new child in the setting and how the teacher’s role changes with the child’s growing normalisation. I will also give some reasons as to why a child might regress. Montessori believed that the child is born good and capable to construct him/her self and reach his/her full potential and become a perfect human if left free in an environment that suits her/his needs and caters for it. However, many children meet various setbacks and regressions during their developmental journey and do not end up being the perfect adults they meant to be. This should be the main aim of education and teachers should provide conditions that guide a child towards this natural path they are born to take that can be referred to as ‘normalisation’ (Montessori, 2007a, 183). Maria Montessori used the term normalisation to refer to a process or a phenomenon that she saw in her work with the children at San Lorenzo in Rome. This process occurs when development...
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