montessori teaching - montessori teaching styles - montessori approach to education

Montessori Teaching Styles

Out of a spirit of enthusiasm for following Dr. Maria Montessori's ideas, there is a wide variety of teacher preparation. Some have taken intensive, year-long graduate courses, studying under experienced master teachers who have undergone teacher-training certification programs. Others have read one of Dr. montessori's books and applied some of her ideas in a daycare environment. between these extremes, there are many other examples, Due to the wide variation of the preparation of teachers, there is a variety in the success and quality of schools. Montessori education has worked all over the world, with all kinds of children (from gifted, normal, disabled, blind, wealthy, poor, etc) and environments from elegant schools to refugee camps and slums.

The role of a Montessori teacher is one of guide and observer. The primary responsibility of the teacher is the preparation of an environment for the children suited to their stage of development. This necessitates a thorough knowledge of the Montessori materials and their purposes. The teacher demonstrates the use of the materials to the children. Knowing when to observe and whether or not to intervene is one of the arts the Montessori teacher develops during a rigorous, specialized course of training at A.M.I. training centres throughout the world.

What makes Montessori Education Unique?

• A specially designed classroom filled with learning materials planned to enhance the 5 senses and build the intelligence.
• Children learn by exploring and discovering concepts with "hands-on" manipulative equipment.
• Teachers trained with special techniques create a curriculum that meets the developmental needs of each age level.
• Children work in a family setting of mixed age grouping, learning responsibility and respect for each other.
• Individualized learning allows students to progress at their own pace.
• Positive reinforcement, support and encouragement is a top priority.
• A strong foundation of self-esteem is built as the child experiences success through work.

Maria Montessori learned early in her work that the education of teachers is not that easy. The Montessori method is philosophically and practically different from other types of educational methods, and also very different from the personal educational experience of most adults who became Montessori teachers. Often, the words "directress" or "guide" is used rather than "teacher" because of the different role of the adult to the child - directing him or her to find the most effective way to learn from the environment rather than from the adult.