Major Points of the Montessori Method
Adapted and quoted from:
"The Montessori Method: A Revolution in Education."
E. M. Standing
The Academy Library Guild, 1962
- It is based on observations of the true nature of the child.
- Its application is universal. The results can be successfully achieved in any country, and with any racial, social, cultural, or economic group.
- It reveals the small child as a lover of work, both of the intellect and of mastery of the body (especially the hand). This work is spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy.
- Through his or her work, the child shows spontaneous discipline. This discipline originates from within and is not imposed from without. This discipline is real, as contrasted with the artificial discipline of rewards and punishments prevalent under other methods.
- It provides suitable occupations based on the vital urges of the child at each stage of development. Each stage is successfully mastered before the next is attained.
- It offers the child a maximum of spontaneity in choice of physical and mental activity. Nevertheless, the child reaches the same, or higher levels of scholastic attainment as under old systems.
- Each child works at their own pace. The quick are not held back nor are the slow pressured. There is much opportunity for group work, and the child spontaneously offer help with work they have mastered to those children who have not.
- It enables the teacher to guide each child individually in each subject according to their own individual requirements.
- It allows the child to grow in biological independence by respecting their needs and removing undue influence of the adult. It allows the child a large measure of liberty based on respect for the rights of others. This liberty is not permissive licence, but forms the basis of real discipline.
- It does away with competition as major motivation for learning. The child competes with his or her own self.
- It presents endless opportunities for mutual work and help; these joyfully given and received.
- The child works from their own free choice. This choice is preceded by knowledge and is thus a real choice.
- The Montessori method develops the whole personality of the child, not merely their intellectual faculties but also their power and deliberation, initiative and independent choice, with their emotional complements. By living as a free member of a real social community, the child is trained in those fundamental social qualities which form the basis of good citizenship.
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