Some quotations from Maria Montessori will easily reveal what Montessori stood for. It is not possible to achieve a complete understanding of the philosophy behind Montessori education in one single brief account. It is possible though to obtain a basic understanding of what is involved in Montessori education.
Peace Education
Through true Montessori education, a child achieves complete development. This can begin with the child's growing knowledge of the cosmic reality. These basic concepts however really drive towards one objective which is the promotion and growth of world peace. When a child leaves school, she shall have learned her role to bring about true peace. It is because of Montessori's peace advocacy that she was eventually recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. It is quite obvious though that beginning to teach peace is not as simple as it seems.
Basic Needs
You can teach peace using so many different techniques. The first thing an educator should seek to understand however are the fundamental needs of humans. It should go without saying that all humans have to be well provided with their basic needs before anything can be achieved. When these needs are secured, learners are expected to develop self-reliance, cooperation and a sense of social responsibility. This is where real peace begins.
Basic needs do not come in a single category. Basic human needs are material or spiritual. As the term suggests, material needs primarily point to food, clothing and shelter. Moreover, primary needs also mean provisions for safety and security. Spiritual needs may be considered a higher category that proceeds from the fulfillment of material needs. Religion, culture and the arts are all part of spiritual needs.
Teachers of Montessori
All learning theories involve teachers. Montessori however assigns a different responsibility to the teacher. In Montessori schools the teacher is known as the director or directress. She is ultimately accountable for providing an environment that is conducive to learning. Moreover, a teacher also has the major role of being a good example and living model of crucial concepts and values. In short, a teacher must first learn to integrate the principles that are necessary for teaching and promoting the path to peace.
Children as Learners
The teacher as director is not a dictator. On the contrary she will have to reduce instances of interference. A Montessori teacher is primarily an observer. This is in support of the concept that children have the freedom of choice to learn in a manner and through activities that fit his inclinations. In this way, no child is forced into an uncomfortable and difficult situation.
There is more to the Montessori method and such concepts as the fundamental needs of humans. These however are the basic concepts that can help you begin your journey of understanding and appreciating Montessori.
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Discover the fruits of a Solid Montessori Education. Know more about the philosophy of Montessori on fundamental needs of humans.
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