Professor Carla Ahmann
ECE 101.920
July 26th, 2012
Montessori Method
“The Montessori Method has influenced many programs that came after it, at least in part”(Casper, Virginia). A classroom that provides the Montessori method includes chosen material that “work” for children placed in the open. All the sets of material are for a chosen activity is clearly defined and ready for the child to use on its own. When the child is done with the toy, they may return in to the shelf where they had gotten it. This enables the next child to use it in the same way. “The child, through individual choice, Makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed” (American Montessori Society).
With the Montessori Method, there are no grades. Also, there are not any forms of punishment or rewards. The teacher will keep observation and incorporate what they see into a portfolio. “The real test of whether or not the system is working lies in the accomplishment and behavior of the children, their happiness, maturity, kindness, and love of learning, concentration, and work” (Stephenson, Susan Mayclin).
Students that learn with the Montessori Method learn by themselves. This does not work for all children. I do believe that everyone learns in a different way. When a teacher creates an environment, and if it “meets all of the needs of children they become, without any manipulation by the adult, physically healthy, mentally and psychologically fulfilled, extremely well-educated, and brimming over with joy and kindness toward each other” (Montessori.edu).
The main role of the teacher is to watch and observe. “The role of the teacher is to guide each child, introducing materials, and assisting where needed. An important task is careful observation” (http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.carr/role_of_the_teaher). The teacher will learn how to create an environment with the student in mind
Cited: American Montessori Society. Web. 26 7 2012 <http://amshq.org/Montessori%20Education/Introduction%20to%20Montessori.aspx>. Doris Cox, Marsha Enright. Pathfinder Academy, Montessori Philosophy. Web. 26 7 2012 <http://www.pathfinderacademy.net/montessori_philosophy.htm>. "Inside a Montessori Classroom." Montessori Teacher Training. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://www.montessori-nw.org/about-montessori/inside-a-montessori-classroom/> Stephenson, Susan Mayclin. Montessori . Web. 7 26 2012 <http://www.michaelolaf.net/1CW312MI.html>. University of Michigan, Rold of the Teacher. Web. 7 26 2012 <http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.carr/role_of_the_teaher>.