Montessori Schools

“To aid life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself, that is the basic task of the educator.” –Dr. Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori, a physician, developed methods for teaching, primarily focusing on the maturity of a student as well as their determination and readiness to be taught something. These two factors are important in teaching any student because they need to be capable of learning and in order to be capable, the student needs to have enough maturity and willingness. Maria Montessori was an intelligent woman who truly understood the measures it took to teach an individual. Some of her ideas are similar to mine which is why I chose to highlight this form of schooling.

She believed that in order for a student to learn they must perform and experience, not listen to mere words. My philosophy is that students should interact in order to learn something new, not just be told something new. I think that being involved with whatever it is they are learning about is the best approach to retaining information. Students should use their minds and hands to figure things out while the teacher acts as a guide. Montessori schools hold the idea that teachers act as observers, which I don’t exactly believe in. I believe teachers should ask questions to get the students thinking deeper, which is what Montessori believes in but I think they should play a bigger role in the classroom.

Teachers not only need to act as guides in the classroom, but I also believe they need to be instigators as well. Students are capable of learning on their own through experience, but if teachers play a part in this, the student will benefit more. I believe teachers need to allow students to find out information on their own, while the teacher asks questions and gives hints to guide them in the right direction. Montessori schools reflect by ideas and teaching vision which is why I chose to discuss it on a deeper level.