A well-educated population is essential for a
country to be successful economically, socially and culturally. This can be
best achieved through early-childhood education because when children start
learning at an early age, they are statistically more inclined to continue to
higher education. According to Cecilia Ibru, the Montessori Method is an example of one way to encourage children’s
intellectual growth.
The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria
Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach that is based on
scientific observations of the development of children from infancy to
adulthood. Children are naturally eager to learn and absorb a huge amount of
knowledge especially if they are in a supportive environment. The Montessori
Method provides them with an environment that is specifically prepared and
organized for learning.
The main components of the Montessori Method program
include:
• Multi-age groups of children that encourages peer
learning
• Large blocks of learning time that is not
interrupted
• A guided choice of activities
• The use of specially-designed Montessori learning
materials properly arranged
• An attractive and comfortable environment
In early childhood, the Method provides activities
designed to give the child direct experiences with the world around them to
help develop their cognitive powers. Young children naturally learn through
touching, smelling, hearing, seeing, movement and tasting. The Montessori
Method makes use of these faculties for directed learning. As the child
develops, he or she adds abstract thinking skills to the concrete experience
and learn to apply this knowledge to the world in which they live. As they move
to adulthood, their thoughts and emotional development help them understand
universal concepts such as justice, equality and freedom. This is how the
child’s intellectual growth is encouraged.
The Teacher
Montessori Method teachers are trained to allow the
child to pursue his or her own interests. They do not impose or force rote
learning. The teacher is trained to help the child use the specially designed
educational materials and observe the child’s sensitive periods. Concepts and
lessons are matched to the periods when a child is most open to absorb and
internalize.
Benefits of the Montessori Method
The aim of this Method is to help children develop
their potential and become competent, respectful and responsible citizens. They
learn to love learning and understand that learning continues throughout life.
Some of the main benefits are:
• Each child is valued as a unique person because
children learn in different ways. This Method accommodates all learning styles,
and the teacher guides the child in their individualized learning plan.
• Children learn order, concentration, coordination
and independence at an early age. The materials are designed for
self-regulation, and children are encouraged to think for themselves throughout
their childhood.
• The multi-age classroom is a caring community.
The older children enjoy helping the younger ones, and the young one look up to
the older children. The teachers are role models of kindness and help with
peaceful conflict resolution.
• Within certain limits, the children enjoy freedom
as they are able to choose their areas of learning. The teachers help the
students seek answers to their own questions.
• When the students mature, they learn how to
self-correct and self-assess, so they have a realistic and critical eye on
their own work.
The Montessori Method helps children all over the
world become better citizens and develop their intellectual curiosity for the
betterment of society in general.
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