Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: This reprint of a 1980 article argues that there is a unique global consciousness inherent in the "prepared environment" of Maria Montessori's student-centered, nurturing curriculum for young children. Maintains that war and peace, overpopulation, hunger, environmental problems, and other global concerns can be addressed through education. (MDM)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: Children of kindergarten age develop very quickly. With proper stimuli, they should reach the appropriate level of school readiness around the age of six. The subject of the study carried out in one of Cracow’s kindergartens was to determine the level of school readiness in terms of social development. Tests were carried out among five-year-olds attending a kindergarten based on the pedagogic principles of Maria Montessori. The author wished to know what social skills were developed by the children within the context of an alternative method of interaction. The test group included 22 children from four mixed-age groups. The school readiness evaluation was carried out twice in the school year 2012/13, with the use of the categorised observation technique. The results show that within one year’s time of preparation for school the children made significant progress, but – due to their age and biological development – not all the required skills were shaped at the highest possible level. In the second test only 13.6% children obtained the highest grade in all the test indicators. More than 78% children obtained the high or medium level, which means that the skills tested have not been fully shaped. Children need more time for improving and reinforcing these skills. Social and emotional development is strictly related to the process of growing up. Therefore, certain skills cannot be shaped faster. These include an adequate reaction to new situations, overcoming difficulties, as well as performing and planning tasks on one’s own. The test results confirm that the Montessori educational context faclitates the shaping of such skills as independence of action, making good contacts with adults and peers, or preparing and tidying up the workplace. It was a partial and pilot study.

Language: English

ISSN: 2084-7998

Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori developed a form of education in the first half of the last century that came to be called by her surname, and research indicates it often has positive outcomes. In the years since its development, tens of thousands of schools worldwide have called their programs Montessori, yet implementations vary widely, leading to confusion about what Montessori education is. Although there are varied opinions, here we use Dr. Montessori’s books and transcribed lectures to describe the conclusions of her work at her life’s end. We term this final conclusion authentic in the sense of “done in the traditional or original way,” (the primary definition of the adjective in Oxford English Dictionary, 2019). We do not claim that the original is superior to variants; this is an issue for empirical science. Our overarching goal is to provide researchers, policy makers, administrators, teachers, and parents with a benchmark from which to measure and evaluate variations from the education method Dr. Montessori bequeathed at the end of her life. In the ongoing search for alternative educational methods, the time-honored and burgeoning Mon­tessori system is of considerable interest. Dr. Montessori conceptualized the system as a triangle for which the environment, the teacher, and the child formed the legs. Part I of this two-part article examines Dr. Montessori’s view of what constitutes the environment, in terms of its material, tem­poral, and social features. An appendix to Part II summarizes the features. In the ongoing search for alternative educational methods, the time-honored and burgeoning Montessori system is of considerable interest. Dr. Montessori conceptualized the system as a triangle for which the environment, the teacher, and the child formed the legs. Part I of this two-part article examines Dr. Montessori’s view of what constitutes the environment, in terms of its material, temporal, and social features. An appendix to Part II summarizes the features.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v5i1.7716

ISSN: 2378-3923

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Abstract/Notes: Paper presented at the 20th Anniversary American Montessori Society Annual Seminar, New York, 1980.

Language: English

ISSN: 0277-9064