Discuss principles of Montessori theory in 10 lines
Answers
Montessori Theory
The Montessori Theory is an approach to learning developed by Maria Montessori where the key principles are Independence, Observation, Following the Child, Correcting the Child, Prepared Environment and Absorbent Mind.
The Montessori Theory approach, concepts and foundation principles can be applied across all ages. It is within these concepts we find the reasoning behind why things are such in a Montessori environment.
The following are the goals and beliefs that Maria Montessori held with regards to her approach to educating children.
Maria Montessori Theory Principles
1. Independence
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montessori.
It is always a goal of Montessori education in the classrooms to make the child independent and be able to do things for himself. This is achieved by giving children opportunities. Opportunities to move, to dress themselves, to choose what they want to do, and to help the adults with tasks. When the children are able to do things for themselves there is an increase in their self belief, self confidence and esteem that they may carry on throughout their life.
2. Observation
Observation, or watching the child is for parents easy to do. We can spend countless hours just watching children and see how they are enjoying themselves, exploring their environment. This was the simple method of how Maria Montessori has learned about children and developed her theories on child development. She observed without preconceived ideas that helped her develop materials that the children needed and were interested in. Observation is also the way adults can learn about what the child needs are.
3. Following The Child
Follow the child, they will show you what they need to do, what they need to develop in themselves and what area they need to be challenged in. The aim of the children who persevere in their work with an object is certainly not to “learn”; they are drawn to it by the needs of their inner life, which must be recognized and developed by its means.” – Maria Montessori.
4. Correcting The Child
Children make mistakes. They may spill something, drop food unintentionally and so on. There is no need to raise your voice in situations like those. Instead, calmly recognize the mistake “oh you’ve spilled the water…, why don’t we get a cloth and wipe it up.” This is an opportunity to ask the child to do some valid practical work with you. You will find that children do like to clean up as they see it as something adults do. There is no need to blatantly point out a child’s mistake, there is a way to make them realize it.
5. Prepared Environment
“The teacher’s first duty is to watch over the environment, and this takes precedence over all the rest. It’s influence is indirect, but unless it be well done there will be no effective and permanent results of any kind, physical, intellectual or spiritual.” – Maria Montessori.
6. Absorbent Mind
Montessori observed how children learned the language without anyone teaching them. This sparked her idea for the “absorbent mind”. Children under the age of three, do not need to have lessons in order to learn, they simply absorb everything in the environment by experiencing it, being part of it. It is therefore important that the environment set up is good, nice and positive since this is what the child will absorb whether he chooses to or not.
Explanation:
Experiential learning.
Mixed-age classrooms.
Uninterrupted work period.
Academics.
Role of the teacher. A Montessori teacher is sometimes referred to as a guide, rather than a teacher, and this reflects her non-traditional role.
Freedom within limits. ...
Educating the whole child. ...
Individualized curriculum.