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The Montessori method is an
educational method for children, based on theories of child development
originated by Italian educator Maria Montessori in the late 19th and early
20th century.
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It is applied primarily in
preschool and elementary school settings, though some Montessori high
schools exist.
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The method is characterized
by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and
clinical observation on the part of the teacher (often called a "director",
"directress", or "guide").
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It stresses the importance of
adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level,
and of the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and
practical skills.
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It is also characterized by
the use of autodidactic (self-correcting) equipment to introduce various
concepts.
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Although there are many
schools which use the name "Montessori," the word itself is not recognized
as a trademark, nor is it associated with a single specific organization.
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The Montessori philosophy is
built upon the idea that children develop and think differently from adults;
that they are not merely "adults in small bodies".
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Dr. Montessori advocated
children's rights, children working to develop themselves into adults, and
that these developments would lead to world peace.
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The Montessori method
discourages traditional measurements of achievement (grades, tests) under
the premise that it is damaging to the inner growth of children (and
adults).
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Feedback and qualitative
analysis of a child's performance does exist but is usually provided in the
form of a list of skills, activities and critical points, and sometimes a
narrative of the child's achievements, strengths and weaknesses, with
emphasis on the improvement of those weaknesses.
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All learning first comes to
us through the senses. By isolating something that is being taught, the
child can more easily focus on it.
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Culture includes both the
studies of the world and various cultures.
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Children go from a very
concrete understanding of math to a more abstract concept.
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Every activity has its place
in the classroom and is self-contained and self-correcting. The original
didactic materials are specific in design, conforming to exact dimensions,
and each activity is designed to focus on a single skill, concept, or
exercise.
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Currently, the United States
is the only country in the world to have an extensive commitment to the
Montessori Philosophy.
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With over 8,000
Montessori schools, the U.S. significantly leads the other three major
demographics in the world - the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
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Although AMI operates
training centers in multiple countries, Montessori in the United States has
by far shaped the future of the pedagogy.
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To date the U.S.,
Canada,Australia and the Netherlands are the only countries to incorporate
Montessori schools in public systems.
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In comparison, Australia, the
second largest market, has fewer than 200 Montessori schools, most owned by
Montessori Unlimited, a franchising company. Further, the U.S. has three of
the four Erdkinder schools in the world.
General,
Methods, Indian Montessori Schools, Foreign Montessori Schools,
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