The Relationship Between Discipline and Obidience from Montessori Perspective.
Montessori Philosophy
Question: Explain the relationship between discipline and obedience from the Montessori perspective. Explain how discipline and obedience are linked to the development of the will.
Maria Montessori (1988) believed that the discipline of a child is something to come, not something that is already present. It means discipline must be stimulated, observed and let it grow by itself. How to start stimulating or awakening discipline inside a child? Montessori says, " an individual is disciplined when he is the master of himself and when he can, as a consequence, control himself when he must follow a rule of life" (Montessori, 1997, p. 51).
To awaken the child 's inner energy to become disciplined, the teacher 's role is needed in order to prepare and observe the child to develop his/her inner discipline. Due to the social environment challenges, child has developed a defensive character which covers his/her real nature that is actually could lead him/her to become disciplined. This is the main obstacle to awaken the child 's discipline. Therefore school must be able to help the child 's spirit to expand and show its powers. Child should have freedom to follow his/her own course and let him/her to free himself/herself and regain the nature that enables him/her to become disciplined. The teacher 's main task is to prepare the environment that is needed, provide the means and remove the obstacles to become discipline.
In this case teacher is only obliged to observe the children, without being noticed by them, when they are doing the correct thing, which is parallel with their skill perfection process. In case children do things that are destructive and asocial, then teacher has to interfere. Therefore it is essential for teacher to discuss the ground rules with the children, which should be observed by all.
Within a prepared environment (Montessori in Standing, 1984), a child will be able to develop discipline. By having freedom
Question: Explain the relationship between discipline and obedience from the Montessori perspective. Explain how discipline and obedience are linked to the development of the will.
Maria Montessori (1988) believed that the discipline of a child is something to come, not something that is already present. It means discipline must be stimulated, observed and let it grow by itself. How to start stimulating or awakening discipline inside a child? Montessori says, " an individual is disciplined when he is the master of himself and when he can, as a consequence, control himself when he must follow a rule of life" (Montessori, 1997, p. 51).
To awaken the child 's inner energy to become disciplined, the teacher 's role is needed in order to prepare and observe the child to develop his/her inner discipline. Due to the social environment challenges, child has developed a defensive character which covers his/her real nature that is actually could lead him/her to become disciplined. This is the main obstacle to awaken the child 's discipline. Therefore school must be able to help the child 's spirit to expand and show its powers. Child should have freedom to follow his/her own course and let him/her to free himself/herself and regain the nature that enables him/her to become disciplined. The teacher 's main task is to prepare the environment that is needed, provide the means and remove the obstacles to become discipline.
In this case teacher is only obliged to observe the children, without being noticed by them, when they are doing the correct thing, which is parallel with their skill perfection process. In case children do things that are destructive and asocial, then teacher has to interfere. Therefore it is essential for teacher to discuss the ground rules with the children, which should be observed by all.
Within a prepared environment (Montessori in Standing, 1984), a child will be able to develop discipline. By having freedom
Bibliography: Lillard, P.P., (1972), Montessori, A Modern Approach, Schoeken Books, New York. Montessori Centre International, (undated) Philosophy, Module 1, The MCI, London. Montessori, M., (1988), The Absorbent Mind, ABC-Clio Limited, Oxford. Montessori, M., (1997), The Discovery of the Child, ABC-Clio Limited, Oxford. Standing, E.M., (1984), Montessori: Her Life and Work, Plume, New York.